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Intimacy with God
When I visited Angola Prison and met Michael on death row, I was no stranger to the ways of God. I’d been walking in faith all my life; yet, with Michael, I saw freedom in his eyes and heard that same freedom in his voice as he sang the words, “It is well with my soul.” It was a freedom I wanted. It is a freedom I now have! And it is a freedom you have begun moving toward this week...let’s keep going!
Forgiveness is the great equalizer among those called by His name—every one of us would stand condemned if not for the eternal forgiveness given so generously by our Savior. How can we do less than forgive one another? The more we recognize how short we all fall, the more clearly we see the extent and power of God’s grace and want to share it with one another.
Of all the remarkable stories told in the Bible, there is one story of forgiveness that holds a special place in my heart. It is a story that gives great insights and inspires me to persevere in forgiveness. It is the story of Joseph found in Genesis 37-47. Although Joseph had twenty-three long years to develop resentment and bitterness, he also had twenty-three years to learn to forgive. The Bible doesn’t tell us how he forgave—it only shows us the results of forgiveness. He did his homework and was prepared to forgive his brothers in a way that restored him, his family, and his people. Forgiveness has that kind of potential for transformation.
Joseph’s words to his brothers, as he revealed his true identity, was not the berating they deserved. His response was supernatural: “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life . . . it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:5, 8). How? Joseph learned to humble himself before his God, so he could extend God’s love to his brothers when the time was right.
Joseph’s forgiveness displayed God’s character not only to his brothers but also to us. In doing so, he foreshadowed the very character of Jesus—unjustly accused, serving a sentence He did not deserve, yet through His act of sacrifice pouring out rich and undeserved blessings on His people, the very people who had wronged Him.
Forgiveness isn’t the easy way, but it is the Savior’s way.
What part of Joseph’s story resonates with you the most? Why do you think that is?
Scripture
About this Plan
In her most vulnerable writing yet, Ruth Graham reveals how a visit to the Louisiana State Penitentiary inspired her to begin the process to release the unforgiveness hidden in her own heart—toward others, herself, and even God. Weaving personal experiences with the hope of Scripture, Ruth provides powerful narratives to understand the transforming nature of forgiveness upon both those who forgive and those who are forgiven.
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We would like to thank Baker Publishing for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.ruthgraham.com/forgiving
