Freely Forgive

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.   Genesis 50:15-21

When a person hurts deeply, forgiveness can be obscured by the intensity of the pain: “How could that person do that to me?” “How can I possibly forgive them for what they have done?” Only when our focus shifts from a damage assessment to the sovereign hand of God at work in our lives can we genuinely forgive.
       
When Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers were afraid he would take revenge: “What if Joseph decides to punish us now?” Trembling, they asked Joseph’s forgiveness. His response echoes his confidence in God’s guidance and provision in the face of injustice: “...you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” (Gen. 50:20).

Even the deliberate wounds of another cannot foil God’s purposes for your life. He can integrate even the worst pain of betrayal into the rich fabric of His plan. When you freely forgive another, you cultivate the fruitful soil of God’s blessing. You are free to experience His love, grace, and mercy. Focus your attention on God’s sufficiency for your hurt. He can use it to bring good in your life if you allow Him to forgive others a He has forgiven you.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other...” Ephesians 4:32