Foundations Week 5, Day 4

Scripture Read:  Genesis 44 - 45
Title: Joseph Forgives
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "And now do not be dismayed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before to preserve life."  Gen. 45:5

(E) Explain: After all that has happened to Joseph in his life, one would think that he would be a bitter and angry person.  One would definitely think that he would hold a deep grudge against his brothers for what they did to him.  His brothers betrayed him, beat him and sold him into slavery.  This is no small crime against Joseph.  When he finally sees his brothers I think his little game that he played with them was a little bit of payback and he could have easily been justified in punishing them harshly.  But Joseph chooses to take the high road and forgive.  Joseph had matured over the years and he finally realizes that everything he went through, no matter how painful, that God was preparing him to do great things.  He was commissioned to preserve life.  He realized he could not be angry with his brothers because it was God who was orchestrating this.  Since he saw God's hand in all of this, forgiveness was a little easier to extend.
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(A) Application: Forgiveness begins with you.  I believe it is a choice we make, and often not very easily..

1. As hard and painful as forgiveness may seem you have to determine that you no longer want bitterness and an unforgiving heart to rule your life.  Hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  We are able to forgive because we have been forgiven.  If anything it is helpful to understand that we have done far worse to God what has ever been done to us and yet he extends the grace of forgiveness.  One cannot walk in fellowship with God if he refuses to forgive others. [1]
2. Give it over to God.   Pray for the strength to forgive.  Sometimes it is easier to withhold forgiveness from someone because it allows you to do nothing but push it aside or hold a grudge.  Sometimes it’s easier to be angry than to forgive.  However I believe Jesus and the Bible have much to say about forgiveness and it can only happen through the power of the Spirit.  I personally believe that when one opens himself to God and has the willingness to show compassion to anyone who has hurt you is the first step to knowing what true God-given forgiveness looks like.
3. Destroy the root of bitterness.  Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  Bitterness is the fruit of unforgiveness.    

[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

(R) Respond:  Lord, I have seen your hand at work in my life, especially during the hard times when I have been wronged or betrayed by someone.  Forgiveness has not been easy, but through your power I see that you are/were at work and thus I am able to forgive more freely.