As the seven years of famine took hold of the entire region, people from all around traveled to Egypt to buy grain.  This included Joseph’s ten older brothers who were sent from Canaan by their father Jacob. Joseph fed them, but also tested them to see how their hearts had changed over the past two decades.  When Joseph finally revealed his identity to them, they were afraid he might take revenge on them for their previous cruelty.  But in Joseph’s response, we are able to see the Power of Forgiveness!

What Forgiveness Does NOT Do:

• It does not indicate weakness on the part of the forgiver.
• It does not minimize or condone the sin that has been committed.
• It does not remove all the consequences of sin.
• It does not immediately wash away all the hurt and pain.

What Forgiveness Has the Power to Do:

• It has the power to break the cycle of retaliation.
• It opens the door to reconciliation.
• It allows you to live in the present instead of the past.
• It lets the human heart reflect the character of God!

Who do you need to forgive today, and whose forgiveness should you seek?