Genesis 40:6-7  When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?”

Have you noticed how nice it is to work with thoughtful people who do their jobs well?  They are good examples to emulate in terms of their work habits, but their thoughtfulness is something special.  They are the ones, who notice things; who go out of their way to help or cheer people up.  They care about their jobs but they care about those around them.

This verse today has always blessed me because it speaks of such quality in Joseph.  The Lord was blessing Joseph in prison just as He had in Potiphar’s house, giving him success.  The warden had put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there (Gen 39:22).

Joseph was in charge – basically running the place, but he wasn’t bitter about all that had happened to him.  He wasn’t inwardly focused so that he was blind to what was going on around him.  He noticed that two of the prisoners were dejected and asked them why.  He cared – and he didn’t keep it hidden.

Earlier when he refused to go to bed with Potiphar’s wife, it wasn’t just because it was a sin against God.  Joseph saw it as wickedness because it was also a betrayal of the trust that his master had in him.  Joseph had honor and integrity.  The fact that he was a slave and a prisoner was irrelevant.  The quality in Joseph just continued to shine.

The Lord gives us opportunities every day to let His light shine through us to bless others.   What a privilege that is.  Giving someone an encouraging word, being kind or helpful is like giving a thirsty person a drink of water.  Remember Joseph, that he did it in the context of doing his responsibilities well.  Integrity and thoughtfulness – may our lives have them in abundance.