Unconditional Forgiveness
Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers after they brought Benjamin back from Canaan. The way he treated the ones who wanted to kill him and sold him into slavery was amazing. It was a great example of how we should unconditionally forgive others. (Genesis 45:5) Let's look at what God wants to give each of us the ability to do to anyone who wrongs us.
Joseph sent his brothers home to get their father and all of their possessions, so they could come to Egypt for the five remaining years of the famine. Before they left his presence he hugged and kissed each one. He told them not to be grieved or angry with themselves for selling him into Egypt, because God had a purpose in it to preserve life. He even gave them wagons and abundant provisions for the trip home and back.
Now, think about what Joseph did not do. He did not show any bitterness or anger with them. He did not tell them to confess to their father what they had done. He did not ask them for an apology before he would forgive them. He completely and unconditionally forgave them. That was done through the power of God, and it is God's way for all of us, as believers.
God always has a reason to cause suffering or to allow it into our lives. He can always work it out for good for His children. (Romans 8:28) We are not to question why and allow bitterness to develop, but we are to ask God for the power to unconditionally forgive the person who causes it. Then, we are set free. That is God's will, and it is the only way we can live the abundant life in Christ.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 47-49.
Joseph sent his brothers home to get their father and all of their possessions, so they could come to Egypt for the five remaining years of the famine. Before they left his presence he hugged and kissed each one. He told them not to be grieved or angry with themselves for selling him into Egypt, because God had a purpose in it to preserve life. He even gave them wagons and abundant provisions for the trip home and back.
Now, think about what Joseph did not do. He did not show any bitterness or anger with them. He did not tell them to confess to their father what they had done. He did not ask them for an apology before he would forgive them. He completely and unconditionally forgave them. That was done through the power of God, and it is God's way for all of us, as believers.
God always has a reason to cause suffering or to allow it into our lives. He can always work it out for good for His children. (Romans 8:28) We are not to question why and allow bitterness to develop, but we are to ask God for the power to unconditionally forgive the person who causes it. Then, we are set free. That is God's will, and it is the only way we can live the abundant life in Christ.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 47-49.