24 He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. Genesis 42:24
This is truly an amazing part of the story. There are a number of reasons Joseph could have been weeping: sadness, joy, wanting to exact revenge, or just being overwhelmed. Probably it was a combination of all of those reasons and more. I mean, he had the power to do exactly what they had done to him, but we know that he won’t do that. He was indeed different than his brothers.
This is a story of grace and mercy, isn’t it? Joseph could’ve done something but he didn’t. It wasn’t in his nature to do what they did.
Even putting them into prison for three days was his way of showing what he could have done to them, but he had mercy on them.
We all need mercy and grace in this harsh world. Sure I’m referring to the grace and mercy showed us, but it’s even broader than that. Showing mercy on the overworked cashier who is slowing you down is important in this careless, harsh culture. They are little things to be certain, but certainly important. A kind word at the right time in most contexts will go far. The opposite is also true; a harsh word will stay with that person perhaps longer than the kind word.