Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Compassion That Forgives and Reconciles

Bible Reading: Genesis 45:1-15

Key Verse Vs 4.5

V4, 5“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.’” 

 
DEVOTION

The latter part of Genesis recounts the story of Joseph, once betrayed by his family, but ultimately finds himself in a prestigious position. In today’s passage, we hear of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers. One would think this meeting would be about retaliation, but it was not. In fact, we see what complete forgiveness means and the purpose of reconciliation.
Complete forgiveness means that there is unshakeable trust in the Lord. Joseph “could no longer control
himself” and weeps because he recognizes God’s plans in that moment (Genesis 45:1). We live in a broken world, so we will experience heartbreaking circumstances. When we choose forgiveness, we put our trust in God’s plans, not in man’s. As Christ teaches, we forgive “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).
The purpose of reconciliation is to be in right relationship with God and others. Joseph foregoes feelings of judgment and has compassion on his brothers. He does not begrudgingly forgive; rather, Joseph explains that he was sent ahead to preserve them and their descendants - the lineage that led to Jesus.
While forgiveness is difficult, we reflect on our perfect model: Jesus Christ. Trusting in the Father’s rescue plan, Christ willingly gave up His life so that we would be in right relationship with Him. Like Joseph was sent to be a “great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7), Jesus is our Great Deliverer, and as such, there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

PRAYER

Dear God, help us to remember your teaching about forgiveness and to imitate our greatest example: Jesus, our Great Deliverer.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We can only forgive others once we fully realize what the Cross was all about.


Stacy George
Trinity Mar Thoma Church
Houston, Texas

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