Message Musings: Forgiveness

The following article is based upon Pastor Tony's message "Bury the Past, Live in the Present" preached on June 14th, 2020

Passage: Genesis 50:15–21

15 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.

And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.

And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Two Sides of Forgiveness

Pastor Tony touched on a few key aspects of forgiveness found in this passage. Forgiveness is both given and received. There are unique responsibilities on either side of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Giving Forgiveness: Joseph

On the side of the one who has been done wrong, there must be:

• A Tender Heart
• A Godly Perspective
• A Generous Spirit

Joseph loved his brothers despite all they had done to him. This unwavering compassion mirrors the love that God shows to us!

Even though his brothers had caused him years of pain, he recognized that God was doing something greater than all the pain. Refusal to trust God's hand in your life makes forgiveness nigh impossible.

Joseph showed grace to his brothers. He made sure that they were provided for in Egypt. He comforted them and assured them that he was not out to get them. He showed Christ-like grace to his brothers.

Receiving Forgiveness: The Brothers

On the side of those who have done wrong, there must be:

• Recognition of sin
• Acceptance of guilt
• Humble apology

The brothers came to Joseph humbled and acknowledging their sin. Numerous times they spoke of their "trespass," "sin," and "evil."

They were fearful that Joseph would retaliate, not recognizing that he had truly forgiven them. In this scene, they accepted their guilt and made a humble apology.

They sought and humbly received forgiveness. Those who offend should seek forgiveness and offer acceptance of guilt without excuse.