FORGIVENESS (The Gospel According to Joseph- Part 6)
CASE STUDY OF FORGIVENESS: Genesis 45:1-18; 50:15-21
FORGIVENESS…
… doesn’t mean trust unconditionally
… isn’t the same as reconciliation
JOSEPH WAS ABLE TO FORGIVE BECAUSE…
…HE UNDERSTOOD HE WASN’T GOD Gen 50:19; Heb 12:15; Col 3:13; Prov 19:11
When we assume God’s place, it’s easier to:
Nurse a grudge
Play the judge
Forget one’s own “sludge”
…HE ADOPTED GOD’S PERSPECTIVE Gen 50:20; Lk 6:27,28; 23:34; 1 Pe 2:21-23; Ro 12:17-21; 1 Sam 24:1-13, Gen 50:21
He didn’t wait for others to deserve it
He refused to seek revenge
He loved/served others