Genesis 50:19-20

New International Version

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

For Meditation

When we get caught up in damaging situations of oppression and abuse, of rejection and all kinds of cruelty, it is easy to get bitter. It leaves a sour taste in our mouths, even if victorious.

God has not finished with us yet if that taste remains. It has to go so we can fully enjoy God’s blessings with joy.

 We have to get rid of that bile. It is a prison. We have the keys to break out of it. The Bible talks extensively about forgiveness and its blessing.

 Forgiveness closes the book on the enemy. It dismantles his stronghold.

• It takes away revenge and puts it in the right hands.
• The advantages are overwhelming.
• You remove responsibility from yourself and put it in the hands of the best Judge. He has the facts and knows the right thing to do—what will be more helpful to you (Romans 12:18-20).
• By that, you unburden yourself and release yourself from the control of the enemy – he takes advantage of unforgiveness and oppresses you. (Eph. 4:26-27)
• You position yourself for God to forgive you and cause others also to forgive you (Luke 6:37)
• You clear your heart of every root of bitterness and free yourself from trouble and defilement (Hebrews (12:15). You allow the grace of God to flow into your life.
• You honor God by your obedience (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
• Finally, it is a celebration of victory over your crisis. It crowns your victory with glory to God the Father and a jewel in your crown.

That was Joseph’s ultimate act (Gen. 50:19-20). His brothers feared he would take revenge after their father died, so they came to him with a fabricated plea of forgiveness from Jacob. They had not learned their lesson. However, Joseph had long since forgiven them. He knew what it had been all about—to save lives (20). So, he assuaged their fear and encouraged them (21).

Who do you have to forgive today?