Absolutely Alive: Facing up to forgiveness - 26 July 2024

Forgiveness is an essential ingredient for living life with peace of heart and mind; at peace with God, those around us, and ourselves. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us”’ (Luke 11:4, NIV) We need God’s forgiveness, but he also emphasized the need to forgive others, urging us to “bless those who curse [us], and pray for those who abuse [us]”. (Luke 6:28)

Like love, forgiveness is an action that needs to be consciously set in motion. It transforms the effects of hatred and bitterness, freeing those who hold resentment against those who have wronged them. According to Henri Nouwen, “Forgiveness changes the way we remember.”

This is clearly seen in Joseph’s compassionate outlook toward his brothers, as he reassured them with these words: “‘So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:21) Joseph unequivocally maintained his forgiveness even after their father’s death, expressing continued support and reinforcing the sincerity of his words from their initial encounter in Egypt when they were “terrified at his presence.” (Genesis 45:3, NIV): “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)

Joseph had much to forgive; imagine how rejected he must have felt after being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, enduring sexual harassment from his master’s wife, and imprisonment when he did the right thing and resisted her advances. However, he came to realise that God was with him throughout, and his purposes prevailed through Joseph’s hardships. God blessed him with promotion to the second highest office in Egypt, enabling him to save not only himself and the Egyptians during the famine, but also his family in their time of need.

However, his brothers struggled to believe that he had forgiven them, as they were still burdened by guilt and struggled to forgive themselves for what they had done to him and their family. Carrying this deception for so long would have impacted their relationship with God and it blinded them to Joseph’s sincere concern for them.

Love and forgiveness complement each other, bringing harmony and peace whether between us and God, or us and our fellow human beings. Sometimes forgiveness may need to occur even after the person is no longer present, as Joseph worked through. This process freed him and brought him peace. Joseph recognized that God alone is the judge: “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? (Genesis 50:19 ) he asked his brothers. He didn’t wait to confront them ‘someday’ but was already prepared to show practical love to them and their offspring if they were to meet again.

Are we at peace with God and others or do we have unfinished business?

Prayer: Our Father, “If we confess our sins, [you are) faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Help me to forgive those who hurt me and find my own forgiveness in you. Amen