Genesis 45:1-5
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, ‘Send everyone away from me.’ So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.
Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
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In an incredible scene of grace, Joseph reveals that he understands how God has used everything that has happened to make something good. (Note: It doesn't say God caused bad things to happen--it just says God used them to bring about good. Big difference there.) Joseph then extends forgiveness to his brothers, and sets up a remarkable model for us to live by. I know that I would have a hard time setting down the past and not lording it over my brothers in this case--I'm not sure I'd be willing to forgive, even if things did work out in the end.
But Joseph does. He forgives, and in so doing, re-opens a relationship. He removes their guilt from them, and now new life can spring up in their relationship.
Are there grudges you need to let go of? Words of healing you need to speak to old friends, to family? May God give each of us the grace and wisdom to know how best to reach out and sow seeds of love.
Blessings
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