LOVE WINS
But Joseph replied, “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 (NLT)
Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Have you ever harbored a grudge against someone? It's an easy thing to do. Blame someone else for how your life is based on actions that they took earlier in life.
Joseph is one of the greatest examples of someone who could've held a grudge against his brothers and not done anything to help them out. They had wronged him severely, and his life suffered immensely because of it. But God was faithful to Joseph in his suffering.
We are prone to not only hold onto grudges but also withhold forgiveness and friendship because we are angry or hurt. I remember this happening multiple times with my siblings. They would do or say something that hurt me, and I wouldn't want anything to do with them. There would be long gaps without each other in our lives because we refused to deal with the situation. In the end, we would talk about it and work it out. The relationship mattered, so the love of family won out.
Joseph forgave his brothers for their actions, giving us a powerful example to follow. Not only did he forgive, but he also loved his brothers and allowed them to stay with him in Egypt. Just like Joseph, we are called to love and forgive.
APPLICATION: From whom are you withholding forgiveness and love? Ask God to move your heart to a spirit of forgiveness for that person. Reach out and extend the hand of forgiveness and love to that person. They may not receive it, but you will have forgiven as Jesus forgave us. Meditate on today’s Scriptures and ask God what He wants you to know.
PRAYER: God, I thank You for Your Son Jesus and the forgiveness of my sins. His sacrifice shows me a depth of love I cannot understand, but I am so grateful. Help me to have a forgiving and loving heart for others in my life. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?