I have a daily devotional that I read every morning on my phone. This was my devotional yesterday morning!!!! It definitely struck a nerve in me.
Genesis 45:14-15
14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him,weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS
Families function in very different ways, but by any comparison, Joseph’s family was far from typical. He was the preferred son out of twelve brothers, and his favored status stirred up in his brothers a jealousy so intense that his siblings sold him into slavery. Later, after God had brought Joseph into prominence as a ruler in Egypt, he had his brothers at his mercy. He could either pay them back for the years of pain they had caused him, or he could forgive them and restore their shattered family relationship. Joseph chose to forgive.
Only a soul refined in the fires of adversity can react in such a way. Throughout the years of slavery, and later imprisonment, Joseph found solace and strength in his relationship with his heavenly Father. When opportunity came to bless or curse those who had wronged him, Joseph chose blessing.
Look at your personal family relationships in the light of Scripture. Have you allowed old grievances to separate you from the very people you are to care for? Spend time with God, like Joseph, and allow God’s love to change your heart.
Lord, you know my family. Help me to forgive. . .
We all have folks we need to forgive. We all have been hurt at some point in our lives. Unfortunately its those closest to us who normally hurt us the worst and that more often than most is family members. We could all learn a lesson from Joseph here. If your holding a grudge leave it at Jesus feet today. There is freedom in forgiveness.
. .
Genesis 45:14-15
14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him,weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS
Families function in very different ways, but by any comparison, Joseph’s family was far from typical. He was the preferred son out of twelve brothers, and his favored status stirred up in his brothers a jealousy so intense that his siblings sold him into slavery. Later, after God had brought Joseph into prominence as a ruler in Egypt, he had his brothers at his mercy. He could either pay them back for the years of pain they had caused him, or he could forgive them and restore their shattered family relationship. Joseph chose to forgive.
Only a soul refined in the fires of adversity can react in such a way. Throughout the years of slavery, and later imprisonment, Joseph found solace and strength in his relationship with his heavenly Father. When opportunity came to bless or curse those who had wronged him, Joseph chose blessing.
Look at your personal family relationships in the light of Scripture. Have you allowed old grievances to separate you from the very people you are to care for? Spend time with God, like Joseph, and allow God’s love to change your heart.
Lord, you know my family. Help me to forgive. . .
We all have folks we need to forgive. We all have been hurt at some point in our lives. Unfortunately its those closest to us who normally hurt us the worst and that more often than most is family members. We could all learn a lesson from Joseph here. If your holding a grudge leave it at Jesus feet today. There is freedom in forgiveness.
. .
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