Matthew 6:12: and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. (NLT)
The story of Joseph is a practical example of forgiving those who have hurt us.
Genesis 50:15-17: When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. (NKJV)
Despite all they had done to him by selling him into slavery, Joseph forgave them from his heart and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 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. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (NKJV)
We also learn a critical lesson from his reply to his brothers. He made it clear that choosing unforgiveness puts you in the place of God who alone knows all things. Genesis 50:19: Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? (NKJV)
The Apostle James also made this principle clear in James 4:12: There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? (NKJV)
As people who have received mercy from God, we are to be like our heavenly Father and extend this mercy to others but we are not to take His place as Judge. Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
Consider your life today, is there any way you are taking the place of God by living in unforgiveness? Repent from it, ask God for grace to be tenderhearted and choose to forgive and be kind.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for your word today. Please help me to forgive those who sin against me and be kind to them even as I continue to access the forgiveness available in Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.