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 50:19-21
The forgiveness of a family is the most precious gift we can receive. It is also the most precious gift we can give.
Forgiveness is not necessarily easy. It seems that forgiveness is only required when we or someone we love has been hurt in some way. God put pain in our bodies to keep us from injuring them: Don’t put your hand in the flame, it’s gonna hurt! Our natural reaction to a spiritual or emotional pain is, don’t ever let that happen AGAIN! Our fear of pain, both physically and emotionally, can keep us from fully forgiving the cause of that pain. We may be holding back on forgiveness because we are afraid of letting that same pain into our lives again.
Forgiveness is the very best healer for those who are hurting. When we forgive, we stop thinking hurtful thoughts. We begin to see the other side of the story, to try to understand what caused those actions that hurt us. When we forgive, we regain the power from those who hurt us, and return that power back to our own lives to further heal our minds and spirits.
Forgiveness is like a circle. The more you forgive, the stronger you become to live and forgive and grow in Christ.
Sue Gibbons, Administrative Assistant, Worship Team
