“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13
When Jacob’s son Joseph was sold to Midianite traders by his brothers, everything changed. He’d been a favored son in his father’s house; now he was thrust into slavery, imprisonment, and despair.
Many years later a famine left his brothers in dire straits. They came before Joseph, whom the Lord had promoted to a ruling position, begging for food. They received provisions and even more, for Joseph granted them full forgiveness for their deeds. He assured them it was the hand of God that had sent him there to save his people (see Genesis 45:8). Nothing could have been sweeter than that forgiveness. What a defining moment for Joseph and his brothers!
Some time ago in my own life when I had been wronged, I chose to withhold forgiveness. But bitterness grew, reminding me that forgiveness isn’t based on the offender being worthy of it. If it did, who could ever receive it? As the Spirit convicted me, I was able by God’s grace to let it go and feel the healing balm of forgiveness pictured in Joseph’s life and lived out for us through Jesus’ life and atoning death.
Many years later a famine left his brothers in dire straits. They came before Joseph, whom the Lord had promoted to a ruling position, begging for food. They received provisions and even more, for Joseph granted them full forgiveness for their deeds. He assured them it was the hand of God that had sent him there to save his people (see Genesis 45:8). Nothing could have been sweeter than that forgiveness. What a defining moment for Joseph and his brothers!
Some time ago in my own life when I had been wronged, I chose to withhold forgiveness. But bitterness grew, reminding me that forgiveness isn’t based on the offender being worthy of it. If it did, who could ever receive it? As the Spirit convicted me, I was able by God’s grace to let it go and feel the healing balm of forgiveness pictured in Joseph’s life and lived out for us through Jesus’ life and atoning death.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 45:4-18
Insight
“And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.” (Genesis 45:15)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 49-50
- Psalm 95
- Acts 18