But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. H e brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them. [Genesis 50.19-21]
Good and evil are found at every crossroads on this journey called life. Most every decision we make can be delineated back to a root motivation of good or evil. This is helpful to consider in determining God's will in most situations.
I want to point out today, once again, that Joseph was determined to forgive his brothers. Joseph had carried this injustice for decades by the time he made the statement above. Joseph had given his commitment to forgive the time to mature and see the 'big picture' of what God was actually doing through it all.
It is almost incomprehensible that Joseph could forgive that much.
Father, I know I do not have the same dedication to forgiveness that Joseph displayed and lived out. Help me to be ever increasingly aware of my need to forgive.
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