Grace To Forgive Like Joseph

Grace To Forgive Like Joseph:

Today, let us reflect on the powerful example of forgiveness, as set before us in the life of Joseph in Genesis 50:18-21 KJV.

As we know, Joseph's brothers had done him a great wrong.

Out of jealousy and hatred, they had plotted against him, thrown him into a pit, and then sold him into slavery. 

This was a terrible betrayal, a grievous wickedness committed against their own flesh and blood.

Yet, when the time came for Joseph to confront his brothers, we see an astounding response. 

Instead of bitterness or vengeance, we find grace, compassion, and forgiveness.

 

As the brothers fell down before Joseph, trembling in fear, Joseph said to them, 

"Fear not: for am I in the place of God?" (Gen. 50:19) 

He recognized that ultimate judgment belonged to God and God alone.

Then Joseph uttered these remarkable words: 

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Gen. 50:20)

This is the very heart of forgiveness. Joseph understood that while his brothers had intended evil, God had used their actions for a greater good. 

In the end, Joseph said to them, 

"Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." (Gen. 50:21)

Instead of harbouring resentment, Joseph extended compassion, provision, and reassurance to those who had committed wickedness to him.

This is the amazing power of forgiveness. It is not something that comes naturally to us, because our human instinct is to demand justice, to strike back, to make the offender pay. 

Joseph shows us a higher way, the way of love and mercy.

• When we have been hurt, 

• When we have been betrayed, 

• When we have suffered at the hands of people we trusted......

May we have the courage to follow the example set to us by Joseph.

May we recognize that ultimate justice, and vengeance belongs to God.

May we have the grace to extend forgiveness, comfort, and kindness to those who have offended us.

In doing so, we demonstrate maturity in our faith in God, and at the same time experience the freedom that comes from letting go the burden of bitterness.

In conclusion: 

Forgive Like Joseph. It is good for you, it is good for your offenders. It is good for all.

Forgive, Forgive, Forgive and Never Stop Forgiving. 

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)