CAN YOU FORGIVE AND FORGET?

Joseph's brothers definitely did Joseph wrong in many ways because they were jealous and envious of his relationship with their father. We have all been hurt by someone in our lives and sometimes we hold grudges. The sad thing is, the grudges hold us in bondage, our unforgiveness creates unrest in our lives and misery. Nine times out of ten the other person is totally oblivious to our feelings toward them. So they aren't the ones hurt–we are.

"So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him." Genesis 50:17 KJV

Here Joseph's brothers send him a message from their father and Joseph's father asking him to forgive his brothers for the evil, the wrong, they did him. And Joseph forgave them.

It was hard on Joseph to be taken away from his father and home and sold into slavery. He did endure hardships, yet through it all, God's hand was upon him, and what was meant for his harm God produced good.

Our prayer:

Father, because of you, I can forgive those for the wrongs they have committed against me. Although it is not easy, and in the natural, my feelings are hurt you give me the strength to choose to forgive, and overcome those feelings and forgive them. What was meant for my harm you will bring good out of it. You are faithful to forgive me of my wrongs; therefore, I must forgive others of their wrongs to me. Amen

Are there people today, that have hurt you and you have unforgiveness in your heart for them? Do you wish them misery? Let go of those feelings. Those feelings are toxic and harmful to you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Choose to forgive them. In doing so, it is you who is set free.

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