Forgiveness

God's been taking on a journey through the life of Joseph. I'm learning so much about his character, his righteousness etc. Today though, I want to write about how FORGIVING Joseph was - probably the MOST forgiving man in the Bible (other than Christ)...he was so justified to not forgive, however, he chose forgive....

So, learning from Joseph:

1. Don't tell people what he/she did to you - Gen. 45:1 - Joseph sent out all the people from the room and then told his brothers who he was and what his brothers had done to him. This was a wonderful chance to get some "justice". Instead, he told others to leave the room to tell his offender who he was.

2. Don't allow he/she to fear you. - Gen. 45:4 - when Joseph's brothers feared him most, he asked them to come closer so he could love on them.

3. Don't allow them to feel guilty - Gen. 45:5 - Joseph didn't allow them to grieve over what they had done. He didn't expect an apology. He was free to forgive maybe because he held NO bitterness towards them?

What does God say about forgiveness:
Matthew 6:12
Mark 6:15
Mark 11:26
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13

4. Let them save face - Gen. 45:8 - Joseph says "it is not you who sent me here, but GOD did." - He gave them a way out and put the whole thing in perspective. When we allow the holy spirit to set us free from bitterness, it allows God to work in us, to use us in a way won't be able to when we hold onto. Let God work it out - give him time to work it out (for Joseph, it was 22 years!)

5. You protect them from their darkest secrets - Gen. 45:9 - Joseph could have trapped the brothers and said "Go back to Dad and tell him what you've done!" - instead, Joseph told them what to tell him. He didn't allow them to expose themselves to their father.

6. How many times do you repent of the same sin? - Gen 50:15-21 - After 17 years of being reunited his brothers still sought forgiveness, and Joseph did not hold a "life sentence on them". He wept, and reminded his brothers that this was God's will.

7. Pray for God to bless them. - Gen. 50: 25 - Joseph made sure that his brothers were taken care of. He spoke God's promise and provision over their lives.

The only way to get full forgiveness is to surrender my heart to God. I'm not to be frantic and make rash decisions, but I can pray for that person, allowing God to work in their heart. He will slowly remove that bitterness, that hurt and remove that constant need to talk about them....

As Christians, we are the ONLY religion that understands what forgiveness is - Muslims do not, Hindu does not, but Christians have the cross. With a surrendered heart, allowing God to do his work in me.

Just as I am without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me.
And that thou benst me come to thee
oh Lamb of God I come, I come.

Just as I am and waiting not,
To rid my soul of one dark blot
To thee who's blood can cleanse each spot
Oh Lamb of God I come, I come.

Just as I am though tossed about,
With many a conflict many doubt
Fighting's and fears within without
Oh Lamb of God I come, I come.

Just as I am thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because thy promise I believe
Oh Lamb of God I come, I come.