Forgiveness and Providence

GuardianAngelStore · Newbie Joined: Jul 07, 2015 Posts: 40 Status: **Offline**

Forgiveness and Providence:

"Come closer to me," Joseph told his brothers. When they had done so, he said: ?I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. But now do not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you. (Genesis 45:4-5)

By the ways of the world, Joseph had every right to be bitter towards his brothers for having sold him into slavery. By the ways of the world, he had every right to seek vengeance, but what would vengeance have served but to further separate Joseph from his family and punish the innocent who would have gone hungry? Though we may feel justified in the moment, we must look at the consequences of what we do or fail to do from which to assess whether our path is right and just.

The conflicts and wars of the world are often traced to prejudices and wrongs that the current generation may not remember or even comprehend. It is the stronger person who seeks to end the conflict, not by vengeance, but through forgiveness and the offering of a kind hand. We should remember, that as we seek the forgiveness of our Lord for our trespasses, we should also be willing to forgive those who trespass against us.

It was not lost on Joseph that the providence of God brought him to his position. Through the course of the trials Joseph experienced, God guided Joseph to where Joseph might bring forth a greater good so that many could be saved from famine, to include his own family. When we are faced with tribulation, we might ask, for what purpose is God allowing our trials? It could be so we might add our hand to assist with His providence. The question is, how will we choose to respond?

Blessed are those with forgiving hearts, for as they give, so shall they receive from Him.