JOSEPH #29 | JOSEPH IN EGYPT #11

Lesson 3625

JOSEPH #29

JOSEPH IN EGYPT #11

WAS JOSEPH FORGIVING?

He did not initially trust his brothers. He was careful and strict even harsh with them in their business relationship of buying and selling grain in Egypt.

But his forgiveness was truly genuine.

1. His forgiveness was unconditional - he forgave them although they did not deserve it.

He was so moved by Judah's selflessness in standing surety for Benjamin that he told his brothers his true identity without delay.

2. He did not cast blame to cause guilt; he knew God could take care of that.

3. He did not make them grovel when they bowed to him. He immediately sought to relieve their fears and agony.

4. He did not ignore that there was still conflict between him and his brothers even among themselves.

He knew how volatile they were - so he advised them  when he sent them on their way to Canaan: " Do not quarrel on the journey" ( Gen. 45:24 )

But he moved in forgiveness first without waiting for their apologies and pleas for mercy for mistreating him.

5. He used forgiveness to show them God's goodness.

6. He didn't boast of all his accomplishments. He gave all credit to God.

7. He knew that God had seen the end from the beginning, even though he could not. Joseph trusted God with the eyes of faith.

Today's lesson is to heed Paul's good advice in Ephesians 4:32 -

" Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."