The Grace to Let Go
ICS Daily Devotions
Genesis 50:18-21 (NKJV) Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
If anyone had the right to be bitter and dwell in unforgiveness, it is Joseph. In fact, if Joseph had not dealt with the hurt, we would see a man filled with vengeance, anger, and rage. He could be bitter towards God for allowing him to suffer under the accusation of Potiphar’s wife. If Joseph did not know God, he might be resentful for being thrown into prison even though he was innocent and had stood against Potiphar’s wife’s temptation. He could have constantly rehearsed how his brothers had thrown him into the pit and eventually sold him over all those years. He would be a man full of anger and bitterness. He could have been miserable.
This passage shows that Joseph had already dealt with the issues of betrayal and abandonment by his brothers years ago. Joseph knew God. He would not have been able to forgive them at that moment if he had not taken time to process the pain caused by his siblings’ betrayal and abandonment.
If Joseph had not dealt with all his hurt, he would not have heard from God for the interpretation of dreams while he was in prison or when he was brought before Pharaoh. Those unforgiveness, bitterness, and hurt would have dominated his thoughts. Joseph would not have received the impartation of God’s wisdom to deal with the famine in the land when he was the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph understood God’s attributes and character, so he walked in forgiveness and extended mercy and grace to those who had hurt him, rather than harbouring hatred, bitterness, and anger.
Matthew 6:14 (NKJV) “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
It is liberating when we choose to forgive someone who has sinned against us, just as God has forgiven us while we were still sinners. We are clearing the issues from our hearts when we forgive. We can decide to come before God to release those who have hurt us into His hands. We commit them to God by naming those who have hurt us and releasing the pain to Him. We are called to offer total forgiveness. Choosing to forgive others helps our spirit to be sensitive to God.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive? How might unforgiveness be affecting your spiritual sensitivity, your decisions, or your ability to walk forward in God’s purpose?
Sermon Series: Are You Joseph?
