Unforgiveness

Genesis 45:1-11

As we finish our week examining the story of Joseph, the final challenge that he had to overcome is one that I believe many of us still struggle with today... unforgiveness. I define unforgiveness as the desire to hold on to an offense or hurt. Often this can be accompanied with bitterness, anger, depression, and a myriad of other emotional wounds. But, if you've ever experienced a hurt, than you've experienced a reason to need to forgive. In our reading today, we see the moment that Joseph chose to reveal his true identity to his brothers. Remember, these are the same brothers that wanted to kill him a few chapters ago. These are the same brothers that sold him into slavery, basically leaving him for dead. In fact, we see their guilt displayed in the exchanges between them when the brothers comes to Egypt to trade. Yet, amazingly, Joseph does not have them all arrested or worse. He is so overcome with emotion that he demands all his servants out of the room, reveals his true identity, and asks about his father. I have to admit, I am personally challenged by this story every time I read it. I find it hard, at times, to release those who hurt me or those I love and forgive. But, in reality, my choosing to carry unforgiveness only hurts me. I know this, and still have to walk my way through it. The final lesson from Joseph's courageous faith is holding onto the dreams that God had given him and then when they came true, not acting horribly. Joseph had the power to reject his brothers, like they had to him, but he did not. He had the power to betray them, he did not. He had the power to falsely accuse them, he did not. He had the power to throw them into the very same jail cell he himself lived in for years. Yet, he did not. Joseph's courageous faith saw past the emotions and realized this was God's plan. He was sent to Egypt to save his family from the famine. I challenge you to look deeply into your own hearts and ask yourself if you could do the same? Are you still holding onto unforgiveness towards someone? Read today's verses again. Seek to engage your faith to courageously overcome the unforgiveness you've been holding onto. 

Prayer: 
Lord God, please help me to keep my heart pure before You. I owe forgiveness to everyone who has hurt me because You have forgiven me. Thank You Lord for Your grace. Please help me to extend it to others. Amen. 

Reflection: 
Do you struggle with forgiving someone? 

How does the story of Joseph challenge you to change?