The power of forgiveness

When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, God was with him and He raised him to be the governor of Egypt. When he saw his brothers , he never made them feel guilty for what they did to him. He pleaded with them not to be upset and angry with themselves. He told them it was God who brought him to Egypt. How many of us would have done that? Would we not still be mad at our brothers? Would we not blame them and constantly remind them about  their sin? Would we not boast of our power and wealth before their eyes?

Joseph truly forgave despite how difficult it was.  He did not allow the pain of the past to affect his future. He trusted in God, believing there had to be a good reason why He allowed such tragedy to be a part of his life. This is the guy whom God had given the vision about how He would rule over his family.  He probably expected a life full of good things and a straight-forward path as the good Lord would be elevating him  from one level to another. However, it did not happen that way. He faced many challenges, but I’d love to believe in the midst of them all he never lost focus. He knew where God was taking him and despite  how hard the path seemed , he never compromised.



Joseph maintained his integrity when he was a nobody and had nothing. And he still maintained his integrity when he was a man of power and authority. He chose to make the right decisions always. And one of them was truly forgiving the same brothers who deprived him an opportunity to grow in his father’s house. He never saw his mother again and his youth was spent in slavery. He missed the opportunity that could not be restored but in it all, he knew and believed God had a greater purpose in allowing him to walk in the path he did.

Gen 45:3-5
“I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4“Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 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.

Today I want to challenge you to forgive everyone who has done you wrong. It’s not going to be easy, but with God on your side it can surely be done. Forgiveness sets you free. It benefits you as much as it sets free those who  have done you wrong.

Forgiving others is a prerequisite for God to forgive us of our own trespasses. So , let us forgive and allow the good Lord to start healing us. Let us trade bitterness for peace that comes from above. Let us be reminded that we ought to retain our integrity in all circumstances. And God who sees everything will reward us.

Be blessed!