Meant for GoodSample

Extending Forgiveness and Grace

Read: Genesis 50:15-21

Discover

Genesis 50:15-21 captures the aftermath of Jacob’s death, as Joseph’s brothers fear retribution for their past sins against him. They seek Joseph’s forgiveness and worry that he may take revenge. However, Joseph reassures them, affirming that although they intended to harm, God used their actions for good to preserve many lives. He extends grace and promises to care for their families and them, embodying forgiveness and trust in God's sovereign plan.

Learn

After many years of living in true harmony with his brothers, the death of their father, Jacob, stirs up old fears. Joseph’s brothers begin to wonder if now, after all this time, Joseph will seek revenge for the suffering they caused him. In their fear, they send a message that pleads for forgiveness. But Joseph’s response is one of grace and mercy. He asks a profound rhetorical question: “Am I in the place of God?” In other words, he acknowledges that it is not his role to seek justice or hold on to bitterness (Genesis 50:19). Joseph sees the situation through an eternal lens, not an earthly one. He understands that God uses their wrongdoing for good, for His glory. Joseph does not just offer forgiveness; he promises to care for them. In mercy, he commits to their well-being, regardless of what they did to him.

Apply

Like Joseph’s brothers, we often struggle to believe that we are truly forgiven. We live with the fear that our past mistakes will eventually catch up with us, and that we will finally get what we deserve. We wonder if grudges are held against us, waiting to be unleashed. But because of Christ’s work on the cross, we do not have to live in fear. We were forgiven once and for all. God completely cleansed us, forgave us, and now chooses to love and care for us. Christ is the better Joseph. He does not just promise to care for us during this life but offers us eternity. The temptation may arise to live as if we need to earn or prove God’s love, but the truth is, that we get to live from His grace, not for it. The moment we repent, we receive complete forgiveness. So, how are you living today? How would your life look different if you operated from God’s forgiveness, rather than trying to earn it?