Date: April 19, 2012 8:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Message of Forgiveness
Message of Forgiveness
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 37:12-36; 45:1-14
A number of years ago the story of Joseph's life hit Broadway in a dazzling musical, but in reality his had been a life filled with trauma and pain. His brothers had ambushed him and sold him to a caravan of gypsies. We wonder, how could they have done that? Then years later, when they were in desperate need of food, Joseph forgave them and fed them. How could he have done that?
If you have ever needed forgiveness (of course, you have!), you know its gift of healing. A grudge sucks life, but forgiveness gives life back, deserved or not. We are no different than Joseph's brothers. Sometimes our sin is overt and we deceive, ambush, hurt, and destroy. But sometimes it is secret, against God alone. Either way we are undeserving of His mercy and forgiveness. To stand in that place of need and be washed clean, given a second chance, is overwhelming. Why would God do that for us? Why would He have sent the Christ-child for us? Because of His deep love. That is what forgiveness is - a message of absolute love towards us - at all costs.
Insight: Look at the similarities between Jesus and Joseph: both were hated and falsely accused; both offered forgiveness to those who wronged them.
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