* The older brother did everything right outwardly, but inwardly he harbored anger and bitterness.

* What was inside his heart was not exposed until after his father chose to bless his brother.

* He wanted the hammer to come down on his brother.

* Here’s the process for how the older brother could become so bitter:

* 1) Conflict - his younger brother did something really stupid and left him with all the work.

* 2) Critical spirit - he focuses on his brother’s lack of character (you always, you never).

* 3) Contemptuous thoughts - he begins to compare his brother’s lack of character to his own good character (leads to pride).

* ** He wasn’t exposed until Compassion entered the picture.

* When his father showed compassion toward his rival all hell broke loose.

* What he should have done:

* 1) Conflict - recognize the issue.

* 2) Complaint - while criticism is about character, a complaint is about behavior.

* Instead of critiquing in your heart bring your complaint to the person.

* 3) Concentrate - refuse to concentrate on the faults of the person, rather concentrate on God’s ability to bring them to their senses.

* If the older brother would have done this, then when his younger brother came to his senses he would have been out hugging his foolish younger brother!