Genesis 50:17
“‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. When their message came to him, Joseph wept.”
Forgiveness. It is a tough thing to do. We all struggle with it. I think about people in my life that I need to forgive. I’m sure you have a list of people too.
Holding On
Why must we hold on to the anger? I believe that it gives us a false sense of power. This person hurt me because of this reason. I can’t change the past, but I can hold on to this anger. For me, I reason that if I forgive them it means that everything is ok and I’m giving my approval of what they did. In fact, it is the opposite. Despite what they did, we should forgive.
Joseph’s Reaction
Joseph’s brothers threw him in a pit, sold him to slave traders and told their father he had been eaten by a wild animal. I think if anyone had any right to hold a grudge, it would be Joseph. But we read in Genesis 50: 19:21 (NIV) “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”
Prayer for the Forgiveness of Others
This is a prayer for the forgiveness of others that I use. I think back as far as I can remember and when I think of someone that I need to forgive, I name them and I ask God to help me forgive them. This is key. You can’t forgive on your own. You’ve got to have help and who better to ask then our Heavenly Father? I think about that person and I ask God to help me forgive them. I think about what they did or they said and I say that I forgive them. I ponder them for a moment and then I move on to the next person.
There are some people that get mentioned more than others. There may be people in your life you must forgive daily. Slowly the grip of anger towards them will loosen its hold on you. Just try it. You don’t even have to say their name out loud. Say it in a prayer.
Changing the Focus
The point is that our God is jealous. He says so. If we are unforgiving and think about how much we hate about John Doe, we aren’t focused on God. That’s where our focus needs to be. Go through the forgiveness prayer and then focus on your love for God and thank him for some blessings in your life, your prayer then won’t end on an angry note.
Saying the Prayer
Just try it. Start with one. God please help me to forgive_________________. I really was hurt when they __________________________ but I believe that you can help me get rid of this anger. Please help me to let go. I forgive ________________________ .
