The Source of Forgiveness

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  - Genesis 50:19-20 

It doesn't matter where you live, what you do, who you surround yourself with, people will disappoint you. Not only that, they might even hurt you with their words and actions, intentionally or unintentionally. We've all experienced this at one time or another in our lives, and though we can't control other people's actions or words, we can control how we respond. So how do we respond?

CS Lewis says "Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive." Indeed, it is a lovely yet difficult concept when it has to be applied in our personal lives. Yet, it is only through forgiveness that we break the bondage of bitterness, hatred, resentment, and anger. It is only through forgiveness, do we find the freedom to enter into a relationship with others.

Yet, what is the source of our forgiveness? Is it because we are so good, generous, and abounding in love? We may think and pray that God gives us a larger heart that will allow us to forgive, however, the true source of lasting and unconditional forgiveness comes from recognizing how big God's love is for our lives, and not how much we can love. It is recognizing the times that we have failed and sinned against God, yet He still forgives us. It is seeing that when we don't deserve the good things in life, He gives it to us anyways.

I believe that this is the source that Joseph draws upon to be able to truly forgive his brothers. Despite the evils of what Joseph's brothers had done toward him, he reflects upon what God has done in his life. Joseph recognizes that God is the one ultimately in control.  His brothers did not recognize this when they sold him into slavery. If Joseph refused to forgive his brothers, he would also fall into the same thinking as his brothers. Instead, he chose to forgive.

Forgiving others for when they have wronged you requires much courage. It takes courage to see that God is greater than you and them. It takes courage to give up control of the situation and to leave it in God's hands instead of holding on to it. So when we are at these crossroads, pray that God opens our eyes to the greatness of His love for our lives, and that by seeing it, we will have the courage to forgive.

Something to think about:

1. What is your initial reaction to the concept of forgiveness? Do you react in denial, anger, self-righteousness, or judgment? Do you perhaps feel hostile toward the whole idea of forgiveness as a necessity? 

2. Is it possible to forgive someone fully if they have not asked for it?  Does this deal with the sin/wrong in a just way?  Does it show real love to ignore the sin?  Does it minimize and even condone the sin if it is not dealt with?   In what circumstances is it possible to forgive someone without their confession and repentance?