Forgiveness
Forgiveness is something we all like to receive, but sometimes, we do not want to grant it to others. At times, we feel our anger and vengeance is justified because of what we have gone through. There are even people who think it is impossible to forgive certain people because they have hurt them so much. I hope we all can learn a huge lesson from the way Joseph forgave all of his brothers.(Genesis 45:14,15) There is no instance in which we should not extend forgiveness to another person.
Joseph's brothers talked about killing him as they looked at him in the pit. That was after years of hating him and ridiculing him for the being the favorite son. They sold him into slavery, so that he spent years as a slave and as a prisoner. He did nothing to deserve any of this treatment. Then, when he had the chance to help his family through the famine, he not only treated them graciously by returning their money each time they came to buy grain, but he worked it out for them to live in Goshen, the best part of Egypt for livestock. When he revealed himself to his brothers, he wept tears of joy first for Benjamin and then for all of his brothers. They did not know what to think because they could not conceive of such complete forgiveness and love.
This is God's design for all of us. Jesus forgave us all of our sins, and we could never repay him or thank Him enough. All He requires of us, is that we forgive others, as He has forgiven us.(Ephesians 4:31,32) In fact, Jesus is very clear. If we do not forgive others, the Father will not forgive us.(Matthew 6:14,15) Pretty serious situation, if you ask me. Therefore, forgiveness is not an option. Put it away. Do not hold it against them. Do not expect an apology or restitution. Just forgive, and it will set you free from resentment and bitterness. You will be amazed at the blessing of forgiveness.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 47-49.
Joseph's brothers talked about killing him as they looked at him in the pit. That was after years of hating him and ridiculing him for the being the favorite son. They sold him into slavery, so that he spent years as a slave and as a prisoner. He did nothing to deserve any of this treatment. Then, when he had the chance to help his family through the famine, he not only treated them graciously by returning their money each time they came to buy grain, but he worked it out for them to live in Goshen, the best part of Egypt for livestock. When he revealed himself to his brothers, he wept tears of joy first for Benjamin and then for all of his brothers. They did not know what to think because they could not conceive of such complete forgiveness and love.
This is God's design for all of us. Jesus forgave us all of our sins, and we could never repay him or thank Him enough. All He requires of us, is that we forgive others, as He has forgiven us.(Ephesians 4:31,32) In fact, Jesus is very clear. If we do not forgive others, the Father will not forgive us.(Matthew 6:14,15) Pretty serious situation, if you ask me. Therefore, forgiveness is not an option. Put it away. Do not hold it against them. Do not expect an apology or restitution. Just forgive, and it will set you free from resentment and bitterness. You will be amazed at the blessing of forgiveness.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 47-49.