Genesis Chapter 45: verses 3-7
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Leviticus chapter 19 verse 18
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Colossians chapter 3 verse 13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Joseph’s brothers’ first reaction to his announcement was total fear. Remember that old saying, another of my mum’s favourites actually, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” They expected retribution from Joseph. But the manner of Joseph’s response shows that not only had he totally forgiven them for what they had done, he didn’t even regard it in the same way. He did not see the sin, he only saw God’s hand and purpose on what had happened over the last twenty years. I know that Jesus taught that forgiveness and not bearing a grudge was a fundamental requirement of being a child God, and we see how He put that into practice on the cross. Paul also reinforces that teaching to the Colossian church, but so important is this teaching, it is even recorded in the teachings of Moses, in Leviticus. Joseph is the practical example of how that looks.
But Joseph can look back and see God’s hand unfolding in his life. We too may not realise initially that the circumstances that we are finding so difficult are bring used by God for our good, and possibly for the good of others, but importantly for God’s glory. We don’t always know why we go through a certain trial or circumstance, but often God will allow us to look back and see His hand through it all, but only if we have given any grudge and anger over to Him to be changed into forgiveness and grace.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Joseph’s example of practical grace. Help me to practice that when I need to with the help of the Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.