One of the fathers in the Bible whom I admire the most is Joseph. He was engaged to Mary, and he was in the process of preparing a household for his soon-to-be wife and, God-willing, family.

But his plans and his dreams changed the moment he discovered that his fiancée, whom he had not been with yet, was pregnant. He planned to quietly break off the engagement rather than destroy Mary’s reputation. He made what would have been a good decision that he could have peace with.  

But sometimes there’s a difference between a good decision and a godly decision.

It took angelic intervention for Joseph to abandon his good choice in exchange for a godly one. Rather than the quiet divorce, he “took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:24).

This single act would cost Joseph so much. There would be suspicious neighbors, financial burdens, and even physical danger that would accompany this godly choice to be a father.

But that was nothing compared to what his Child would face.

Nobody would have blamed Jesus for making good choices, like saving his own reputation by disassociating himself from those labeled “sinners.” Yet Jesus opted for the godly, sacrificial choices every day, culminating with the cross.

You have a Father in heaven who is better than good. He chose the path of sacrifice so that you could have peace with him. Be thankful for that peace today.