WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH YOU ABOUT FORGIVENESS (PART 2)
Joseph
(Genesis 37-50)- Forgiveness Among Brothers
The 11th son born to
Jacob was Joseph. God revealed His plan for the life of Joseph when he was
still a young boy. Joseph excitedly talked with his brothers about God’s plans,
but his brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery. They told their father Jacob that his
favorite son had been killed by a wild animal.
Joseph was bought by a
man and was his slave, but the man recognized Joseph’s honesty. The man gave
Joseph great freedom even though he was still a slave. Later, Joseph was
wrongly accused of a crime and ended up in prison. Joseph’s integrity won him
favor with the jail keepers and he became a guard over other prisoners. In time
God gave Joseph great power in the kingdom.
The brothers thought
Joseph was dead. They didn’t know that the man they stood in front of was their
own brother Joseph. When Joseph told them who he was, they were shocked to know
he was alive. They even feared for years that he would seek retribution. After
the family was reunited they lived together in Egypt. When their father passed
away, the brothers began to fear even more that Joseph would finally show his
hatred towards them (Genesis 50:15). Joseph was heartbroken when he learned
they still did not trust him and that they feared what he would do to them
(Genesis 50:17).
This is an amazing story
of forgiveness. Joseph told his brothers the following:
“But Joseph relied, “Don’t
be afraid of me. Am I God that I can
punish you? You intended to harm me, but
God intended it all for good. He brought
me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be
afraid. I will continue to take care of you, and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to
them.” (Genesis 50:19-21)
LESSON #2
Letting Go of Betrayal– In the Bible story about Joseph, Joseph experienced a lot of emotional pain by his brothers betrayal and the betrayal of others. He was sold as a slave and was also wrongly accused and put in jail. He knew that if he held grudges against them, he would have never received the blessings God promised him. He knew that forgiveness would set him free. Therefore, by being kind, he had more freedom as a slave and when jailed, the guards made him a guard over the other prisoners. Last but not least, God gave Joseph great power in the kingdom. Joseph knew that God would make all the bad work out for the good.
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
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