Forgiveness Plea

‘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. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 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. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:1-20

At this point in the story of Joseph, he was ruling over all of Egypt and only second to Pharaoh himself. Up until now, many things had happened to him, and his brothers shared responsibility for the trouble he endured. They knew that if justice were exacted by Joseph, it wouldn’t be pretty. Their sin against him was undeniable, and with their father gone, they feared the worst. Joseph was a man who was sinned against, yet responded with great perspective.

Joseph’s perspective was to name God’s role in this situation. “Am I in the place of God?” This question helps us understand his thought process. God is the only one cleared for entirely righteous punishment. Joseph recognizes that they did him harm, but also explains his situational awareness and the sovereignty of the Almighty. It is a beautiful picture of how a man can and should respond to sin. Think of God’s role and let Him do His job.

DO THIS TODAY: When someone offends you, forgive them.