As I found Christ in my life and began to experience His forgiveness for me, I began to soften. I was able to forgive myself and my family. I began to see the importance of those God has put around me. I realized that I don't just need to forgive Jesus forgave me, I need to forgive because my life is meant to be in healthy relationships with those around me. I started to realize when friends did something wrong, instead of quickly forgiving, I confronted them with conversation. This built an even deeper relationships and built value. When family wronged each other we also talked it out. This built unity and communication, something I cherish now.
These are definitely values I try to portray to my students and one day my little girl. Forgiveness doesn't come easy, but it is entirely worth it. This life is far too short to create issues with those around me. Besides, how else am I supposed to share the Love, if I have no one to Love?
Day 18
Scripture
Genesis 50:15-21
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15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father
was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back
for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph,
saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the
sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please
forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message
came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw
themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now
being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I
will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly
to them.
Wisdom
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Forgiveness is not a word that we like to use
in our society much anymore. It is more of a tool than a promise isn’t it?
Don’t we forgive people because we ourselves have something to gain? Like a
friendship, a favor, or no conflict? Do we still forgive the way the Lord intended;
with no payment in return?
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Joseph had an opportunity to really get his
brothers back. Prior to this his brothers threw him in a ditch and sold him to
slavery. All because he was his fathers’ favorite. But God used that to lift Joseph up and make
him an advisor in the kings’ court. Joseph helped the king restore order in the
land during a famine with the dreams the Lord gave him. What a powerful
testimony for Joseph! But instead of making his brothers pay, he showed them mercy.
He knew that God had blessed him so that he could in turn bless others.
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Think about what it feels like to be the
forgiver; now think about what it feels like to be forgiven. This is love, is
it not? The Lord forgives us, truly forgives us. We should do the same. Jesus
said love everyone, and forgiveness is love. Well, you can do the math.
Apply
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Are there people in your life that need
forgiveness from you?
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Are you in a place where you need forgiveness
from someone?
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Isn’t it time you rebuilt that relationship
with someone whom you held a grudge?
Prayer
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Pray to the Lord to have a forgiving heart.
Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins so that you can forgive others as
well. Forgiveness is hard, ask the Lord to soften your heart so that you can
forgive those that have wronged you. Ask the Lord to give you a heart like
Joseph’s, one that loves even those that hurt him.
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