Daily Reading:
Monday, November 12—Restoration of God’s Favor (Psalms 85)
Tuesday, November 13—Food in Egypt (Genesis 42:1-20)
Wednesday, November 14—Jacob’s Difficult Decision (Genesis 43: 1-15)
Thursday, November 15—Dining Together (Genesis 43: 16-34)
Friday, November 16— Joseph Tests His Brothers (Genesis 44: 1-13)
Saturday, November 17— Judah’s Plea (Genesis 44: 1-13)
Sunday, November 18—Brother’s Reconciliation (Genesis 45: 1-15)
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Devotional Reading: Psalm 85
Background Scripture:Genesis 42:1 – 45:45
Lesson Text: Genesis 45:1-12
Monday, November 12—Restoration of God’s Favor (Psalms 85)
Tuesday, November 13—Food in Egypt (Genesis 42:1-20)
Wednesday, November 14—Jacob’s Difficult Decision (Genesis 43: 1-15)
Thursday, November 15—Dining Together (Genesis 43: 16-34)
Friday, November 16— Joseph Tests His Brothers (Genesis 44: 1-13)
Saturday, November 17— Judah’s Plea (Genesis 44: 1-13)
Sunday, November 18—Brother’s Reconciliation (Genesis 45: 1-15)
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Devotional Reading: Psalm 85
Background Scripture:Genesis 42:1 – 45:45
Lesson Text: Genesis 45:1-12
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Forgiveness—what a wonderful force. Sadly, many people (even Christians) have a misconception of what “forgiveness” actually is. Some believe that it is saying that the offensive behavior of a person is “OK” and therefore the offender is permitted to continue the questionable action. Others feel that forgiveness means that the culpable person(s) need not be held responsible for harmful actions. But that is so untrue! Forgiveness is saying, “I refuse to let what YOU did to me, continue to rule my life.” That is right. When you decide not to forgive a person of a wrong (real or perceived), you have made a decision to enslave yourself to the offense. Unforgiveness blocks your own happiness, peace, satisfaction, and even love. You victimize yourself, daily. It harms the "unforgiver" much more than it harms the "unforgiven."
On the other hand, Forgiveness liberates the forgiver. When you forgive someone, you break free of their assault, and you avenge yourself of the offense. They may have hurt or damaged you by actions or words, but the victory comes in not letting what that person did, hinder you from enjoying a victorious life.
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Joseph was definitely wronged by his brothers. From the worldly perspective, he had every right to hold a grudge. Can you imagine him saying, “So what, if you are starving! You all tried to kill me! I will never forgive you!” Could Joseph have been used by God if he harbored such animosity—no. Joseph loved his brothers. Did that mean that what they did was “OK?”—No. Did that mean that Joseph forgot what they did? Definitely, not. Joseph remembered, but he refused to continually be victimized by the memory. He freed himself so that God could use him for the Greater Good.
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On the other hand, Forgiveness liberates the forgiver. When you forgive someone, you break free of their assault, and you avenge yourself of the offense. They may have hurt or damaged you by actions or words, but the victory comes in not letting what that person did, hinder you from enjoying a victorious life.
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Joseph was definitely wronged by his brothers. From the worldly perspective, he had every right to hold a grudge. Can you imagine him saying, “So what, if you are starving! You all tried to kill me! I will never forgive you!” Could Joseph have been used by God if he harbored such animosity—no. Joseph loved his brothers. Did that mean that what they did was “OK?”—No. Did that mean that Joseph forgot what they did? Definitely, not. Joseph remembered, but he refused to continually be victimized by the memory. He freed himself so that God could use him for the Greater Good.
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.Life Application Discussion Question
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Are you having trouble forgiving someone—a sister who betrayed you—a father who neglected you—a mother who abused you—a stranger who assaulted you—a drunk driver who killed your love one? Are you expected to forgive them? Yes. Why? First, for their sake—the more sinful the act, the more the perpetrator is in need of forgiveness. Second, for your sake—do not give an offender permission to continually victimize you. Your life is way too valuable to sacrifice it to the memory of an offense. And, thirdly, for God’s sake. “‘Vengeance is Mine,’ sayeth the Lord.” God has it all under control. You must believe that God is greater than anyone who has wronged you. No one is “getting away” with anything. Sin has consequences. God knows what He is doing. Let go, and let God handle His business.
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Forgiveness is a decision. It will be one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Be like Joseph. Forgive—and let God turn the evil act around for the good.
Are you having trouble forgiving someone—a sister who betrayed you—a father who neglected you—a mother who abused you—a stranger who assaulted you—a drunk driver who killed your love one? Are you expected to forgive them? Yes. Why? First, for their sake—the more sinful the act, the more the perpetrator is in need of forgiveness. Second, for your sake—do not give an offender permission to continually victimize you. Your life is way too valuable to sacrifice it to the memory of an offense. And, thirdly, for God’s sake. “‘Vengeance is Mine,’ sayeth the Lord.” God has it all under control. You must believe that God is greater than anyone who has wronged you. No one is “getting away” with anything. Sin has consequences. God knows what He is doing. Let go, and let God handle His business.
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Forgiveness is a decision. It will be one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Be like Joseph. Forgive—and let God turn the evil act around for the good.
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