Forgiveness

[Jamie]

What did it take for Joseph to let go of all his brothers did to him and forgive them?

[Anonymous]

After all of the trials and tribulations that Joseph went through; from being sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned, to being made the cupbearer and second in command of Egypt, he still trusted God and believed all of God’s promises for his life. So, this trust and belief in God’s will made it easier for him (including any struggles or passing thoughts of revenge) to forgive his brothers and to be reunited with them. God’s plan for him was much bigger than any doubt or fear that might have crept into his thoughts, so Joseph and his family were rewarded as God had promised.

[Anonymous]

It took an immense trust in God and His faithfulness for Joseph to forgive his brothers. He had to understand that it was God’s plan for him to go to Egypt and go through the trials that he went through. He told his brothers that what they intended for evil, God intended for good. It was this belief that God is good and does good that allowed Joseph to look past his brother’s actions and forgive them. It makes me wonder how often I am so focused on the details right in front of me that I forget to look at the bigger picture that God is orchestrating.

[Anonymous]

After reading what Joseph went through because of his brothers, it blows my mind if I actually think about it and put myself in his place that he forgave them. I have read the story many times but this is the first time I thought about the amount of pain Joseph had to endure but yet still forgave his brothers. Joseph demonstrates forgiveness so much in his story. After the cup-bearer forgets him in prison, it says nothing about him becoming angry so he shows forgiveness there also. The trust and obedience shown by Joseph is inspirational and definitely someone to learn from.

[gretchen211]

Joseph had to believe what he said, that although his brothers intended evil, God used it for good. Today we need that faith to believe that God can take something negative in our lives and bring good of it. It doesn’t minimize the pain or hurt but it maximizes the power of God to work in a situation.
I think it also took a level of contentment to let go of certain things he had lost (time with his father, his homeland, freedom) and appreciate what was being given now and had been given to him- the opportunity for redemption. I think Joseph got a glimpse into the role he played in the grander scheme of God’s story. It is amazing what we can do when we feel we serve a greater purpose.

[bstadle1]

It took a complete reversal of human thought. God had given Joseph a new way of viewing life, it may have come through experience, or it was simply a gift from a loving Father. Joseph was different, Israel knew it from the very beginning and so did his brothers. There may have been many justifiable reasons for Joseph’s brothers to hate him, but I believe it all came down to him being set apart from them. God had a purpose for Joseph that He would see through to the benefit of all of Israel’s family. It was probably not until much later in life that Joseph recognized what was unfolding even in all his suffering, but in a beautiful moment of peace He accepted/delighted in it. I think Jospeh’s forgiveness reflects and even greater humility and deep love he had for people. God’s goodness towards Joseph had less to do with his earthly circumstances (having or not having), it had more to do with how Joseph fit into the story of God and His people. God was using Joseph to bless others and that was enough to warrant forgiveness and even joy.

These comments are my opinion of course and could change at any moment 🙂

[Jamie]

A life of forgiveness is a life of peace! I admire Joseph so much for his heart of forgiveness towards everyone that betrayed or forgot him. How can we teach people to forgive?

[Anonymous]

I think it took to know who the Father is. He definitely was walking with feet like Jesus because it says that , “he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” I think it would be hard for me to speak kindly to someone right away who has hurt me. But He did and he also mentions to not be afraid because where he stands is the place of God everything that has happened has been accomplished by God and everything that comes from God is good.

[Anonymous]

One very important way to teach forgiveness to people is to model it in our own lives. Whether it be forgiving a spouse, a friend, a family member, or a total stranger, once they are forgiven it frees them up to see how well it can work out, and they will in turn use it in their personal situations. Also, by modeling forgiveness it will not only improve our relationships with others, but with God as well.

[Anonymous]

i totally agree with you chuck!! is just sometimes is so hard to do…but modeling is definitely a way you can show others

[bstadle1]

I also agree wholeheartedly with you, Chuck. I know that seeing someone you respect forgive another person is truly life changing. I have had the privilege of watching this in action in my parents lives, and it has really changed my perspective of how much I too am willing/able to forgive. The more is is an attribute of your community, the more you will embody it as well.

[Author]

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