New stories narrate the power of a character in distress as Joseph’s exemplary life does. Amid the harshness of a prison in a foreign land, the Old Testament story of Joseph shows how one can make choices guided by faith, even when circumstances may seem unjust. Forsaken by his brothers and sold as a slave, deprived of his native land, he might easily have raised his temper or taken revenge, but he firmly believed in integrity and faith as well as depended on God.

Having been devoted to righteousness, the commitment of Joseph was not rewarded immediately. Instead, it resulted in wrong- ful charges and imprisonment. Many would have lost their belief or broken their principles in the face of discouragement, yet Joseph stayed in the world with decen- cy and optimism, even in prison. He motivated other inmates and used the gift of interpreting dreams God had given him. His loyalty in prison was what made God exalt him to a position of authority in Egypt. When the Pharaoh called on Joseph to interpret his distressing dreams, he not only offered advice but also demonstrated reliable leadership, which later catapulted him into the position of Prime Minister of the whole country.

Later, when famine overtook the region, and Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to find food, Joseph had the authority to punish them for their betrayal. His response was not revenge but mercy and forgiveness, and he under- stood that God had sent him through his sufferings to provide salvation to many people, including his family. The fact that he could see the sense of God in human misdeeds represents how strongly his values influenced his judgments, even when he was most emotionally involved.

The life of Joseph shows that living according to God’s values does not always result in comfort, recognition, or instant rewards. It can incur unfair fruits or provisional misery. But still, such a life is significantly meaningful, as it glorifies God and gives Him the chance to act through our integrity, endurance, and com- passion. The value-based Christian life is finally determined not by the good situation based on circumstances, but by a strong character founded on faith that remains strong even in times of struggle or prosperity. Through the example set by Joseph, the believ- er can also learn to respond to trials with faith, stand against temptation with integrity, and extend grace rather than vengeance, as long as God has a higher purpose for him or her in the trials.