Mat 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
Mary, the mother of our Lord, was espoused to Joseph (not completely married, but contracted). It is important that Matthew gives us the character of Joseph. He was a righteous man, just and humane. For him to put Mary away publicly was to expose her to the penalty of death. Joseph could have publicly ashamed Mary however we see him protect Mary who perceived did him wrong. Perhaps he was convinced tha she did not cheat on him but the fact that she accepted assignment without checking with him for approval or consent could spell usurping his authority.
In this season of Christmas, those close to us may do us wrong. It is with great encouragement that we be gentle towards them that come under suspicion of having offended and to hope the best concerning them. Let us not be quick to divorce ourselves from certain relationships but make the best of that which at first appears bad in hopes that it may prove better. Joseph had every right and would be justified yet in deep pain and shame, he still resolved to want to address his situation from his state of being a righteous man showing mercy and grace. MERCY is NOT getting JUSTICE we deserve and GRACE is getting FAVOR we DON’T deserve. May we show both in this season as God has kindly dealt with us.