Scripture

Genesis 50:18-20
Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Observation

Joseph’s brothers meant evil against him by selling him into slavery. The truth is they probably did harm Joseph physically, emotionally, and mentally. However, Joseph didn’t take the place of God and try to get even. Instead He trusted God with the situation and God turned it around and actually used Joseph to save the brothers who meant evil against him.

Application

Just like Joseph was deeply hurt by his brothers, all of us have been hurt by people. Whether it is a critical spouse or a gossiping friend… all of us have been hurt and will get hurt again. When we get hurt we have a decision to make. We can try to get even and stay hurt, mad, and bitter. Or we can take our hurts to Christ and lay them at the cross. When we choose to forgive others, we not only get healed of the hurt, but we get to be a part of an incredible story where God uses our life to positively impact the people who meant evil against us as well as many others!

Prayer

“God I know that offenses will come. People will say and do hurtful things. But I pray that you would help me to be quick to forgive. I choose to forgive right now. I pray that you would turn every situation around in order to accomplish Your purposes. In Jesus name Amen!”

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