One of the things that are difficult for many people to do is extend
forgiveness toward someone who has wronged them. Anyone can say they forgive
someone, but showing forgiveness seems harder to carry out - especially
if pardon was never requested! We all agree forgiveness is a beautiful
idea until it's time to practice it… Would you be willing to prove your
forgiveness by your actions - even if your offender never solicited release
from their crime? Are you able to pass over transgressions and focus on
your treatment of the transgressor instead?
Genesis 42:26-28
And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. [27] And
as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he
espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. [28] And he
said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my
sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to
another, What is this that God hath done unto us?
If hostility had taken root in Joseph's heart, then the perfect time to
seek vengeance would be when his brothers were seeking corn in a time
of famine. As governor of the land, Joseph could have charged them any
price he wanted for provisions - yet he gave them corn AND restored the
money they paid for it! What we have here is a clear indication of Joseph's
sincere desire to restore fellowship with his family members. Ladies,
we cannot pass over this occasion without taking into account whether
we would be able to bless those that curse us or do good to those that
despitefully use us with comparable liberality! Typically, in situations
where we have been offended we become rather miserly in conduct. Yet God
says we attain the most glory when we pass over transgressions, not park
on them…
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass
over a transgression.
Proverbs 20:3a
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife…
Joseph employed something of which we all need to take note! When we love
our enemies and genuinely seek to meet their needs, we shame them for
their hatred. In looking back at our opening text, the Bible says that
the hearts of Joseph's brothers failed them - they knew they fell short
of the charity shown them after just owning up to their own sinful manners.
They did not understand the treatment God was bestowing upon them… Yes,
forgiveness is that act and attitude toward those who have wronged us
which restores relationships and fellowship!
Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower leaves on the heel of the
one who crushed it. Ladies, as you have opportunity and ability, you should
be ready to show kindness to your enemies and testify the sincerity of
your forgiveness. Joseph fed his brothers abundantly and thereby confirmed
his love. By heaping coals of fire on their heads, Joseph was literally
"melting" them into repentance… Is there any person who has injured you
to whom you need to confirm your love and do the same? Have you learned
to defeat their ill design so that God's design may take shape in your
life and theirs? Joseph has taught us today that we must be able to submit
to the Biblical way of doing things for the sake of peace. After all,
that IS what God hath done unto us!
Romans 13:10
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling
of the law.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2003 Pamela A. Iannello