Genesis 45: Students

Embrace Forgiveness

Genesis 45:5 (New Living Translation) - "But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."

Imagine you've been badly hurt by a friend, perhaps they betrayed your trust or said something hurtful. It's difficult to let go of the pain, isn't it? We often feel justified in our anger and it can be challenging to extend forgiveness.

In Genesis 45, Joseph had every reason to be angry with his brothers who sold him into slavery, but instead, he chose forgiveness. He saw God's bigger plan in the midst of his own pain. Joseph’s forgiveness didn't minimize the wrong done to him, but it set him free from bitterness and opened the door to restoration.

Just like Joseph, we too can choose forgiveness when we've been wronged. We can trust in God’s bigger plan, even when we can’t see it. We can let go of our hurt and anger, trusting God to heal us.

Pause & Pray:

1. Pray for a heart of forgiveness, to let go of any bitterness or anger.
2. Ask God for the courage to extend forgiveness, just as God forgives us.
3. Pray for understanding and acceptance of God's greater plan, even when it's not clear to you.