Unite with Forgiveness

Based on Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:24-50

Grudges, regrets, anger, frustration...while it may seem justified at times, it only brings division! Through repentance & reconciliation with God and with the ones we are angry with, we find true peace, release, forgiveness & unity!

Joseph was someone who seemed justified in having the above-mentioned feelings...from our journey thus far, Joseph's brothers' one decision of selling him off to Egypt led him through a whirlwind of other unfortunate scenarios! But remember, he was tried & true...all the way up until he revealed himself to his brothers! And he FORGAVE his brothers!

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:3‭-‬5.

In doing this courageous act of forgiveness, Joseph pieced his whole family back together again! Through his relationship with God, Joseph was also able to hold Egypt & Canaan together through a famine! Joseph recognized this was all the mighty Hand of God!

"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and Lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." Genesis 45:7-8.

I pray to be that aware of God! To be able to forgive and come together in the most difficult of circumstances! Joseph was a person who reflected the character & love of God! Just how Joseph was placed in Egypt to preserve life & deliver people, Jesus came that He would make a way for ALL to be saved; to deliver souls from sin!! Then will come eternal life! Just as Joseph's family reconciled & came together, we must also come together and fully surrender to God! Leave the past behind!

"And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:"
Matthew 12:25.