via TJC
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:19-20
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, and he was favored by his father. This caused jealousy and resentment among his brothers, who sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt. However, Joseph forgave them. How many times have you heard a voice saying that you should never forgive and never forget? That is the wrong voice to follow. Instead:
1. Be like Joseph.
As verse 50 states, Joseph demonstrated his ability to forgive and reconcile with his brothers when they came to Egypt seeking food during the famine.
Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers was not an easy or automatic process. It required him to let go of his anger and resentment, and to see the bigger picture of how God was using the difficult circumstances of his life for a greater purpose..
2. Forgiveness - Practice it Regularly.
Forgiveness is not easy, it is a process and since we are commanded to forgive we must learn how. Full stop. Jesus says, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15.
3. Forgiveness is a Process that Begins with a Choice.
Forgiveness is not about excusing or minimizing the wrong that has been done. It is about recognizing that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's standard, and that we all need his forgiveness. Choose to forgive others; choose to follow Jesus' example of love and grace, and to allow God to work in your heart.
4. The Blessing of Forgiveness is Peace.
The rewards of forgiveness are great. When we forgive, we are able to experience freedom from the pain and bitterness that can weigh us down, and we can begin to experience the joy and peace that God offers us.
Daily Battle Order:
Read Genesis 49 and 50. God wants us to experience the freedom and joy that comes from letting go of anger and resentment. Who can you forgive today?
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