Let's take a moment to reflect on how Joseph feels...
If there's anyone who has a reason to seek vengeance and hold on to resentment, it would be Joseph; from being sold by his brothers to being falsely accused and then sent to jail. But forgiveness is the act of letting go of the need for vengeance and releasing negative thoughts of bitterness and resentment.
If I were Joseph, I would probably have a serious grudge against my brothers who sold me away. Yet, Joseph is the agent of God's grace and kindness towards his brothers. They were to take a long time and this is often the case even for us today; to appreciate and to fully receive the transforming loving-kindness of the Lord into the very depth of their beings. Joseph understood that beyond and above the foul schemings of his brothers, God was in control. It is the Lord himself that gives and reveals the ultimate and true meaning to history.
To forgive is to offer mercy to someone who has acted unjustly.
In the Bible, forgiveness is primarily the act of God by which he graciously takes away the obstacles and barriers which separates men from him presence.
The New Testaments word for forgiveness means "to send away." Forgiveness does not excuse or minimise the hurtfulness of the other persons act. Rather, it says, "Yes you did hurtful things to me. You did wrong." But forgiveness is then acting mercifully and saying, "I choose to not hold it against you. I am sending away that grievance."
We often have difficulties in forgiving others. Sometimes we think we have forgiven when actually, we really haven't. Sometimes we think that to forgive, we must act as if the hurt never happened. Offenses are not forgotten, but when forgiven, they should not be brought up again. Other times, we think we can only forgive after the person who hurt us has suffered or made restitution. Revenge requires suffering and restitution, not forgiveness.
Letting go of the right for revenge has real benefits. It can lower blood pressure, reduce free-floating hostility associated with elevated cardiovascular problems, help you feel less stress, fearful or depressed, and restores you spiritually to a better relationship with the Lord. When the Bible talks about forgiveness, it's not just about restoring relationships between people, it's not just about modelling God's behaviour; the one who forgave us even when we didn't deserve it.., it's also about our OWN well-being.
Whatever grudge or resentment you've been holding on to, it's time to let it go. It's time to let go of the need for vengeance and justice. It's time to choose not to hold things against people, even if you've been wounded deeply.
Hate, anger and unforgiveness will eat us up from the inside if we don't release it. It sucks the joy out in life.
It's time to live a joy-filled life, and that means walking in forgiveness :)
To forgive is to offer mercy to someone who has acted unjustly.
In the Bible, forgiveness is primarily the act of God by which he graciously takes away the obstacles and barriers which separates men from him presence.
The New Testaments word for forgiveness means "to send away." Forgiveness does not excuse or minimise the hurtfulness of the other persons act. Rather, it says, "Yes you did hurtful things to me. You did wrong." But forgiveness is then acting mercifully and saying, "I choose to not hold it against you. I am sending away that grievance."
We often have difficulties in forgiving others. Sometimes we think we have forgiven when actually, we really haven't. Sometimes we think that to forgive, we must act as if the hurt never happened. Offenses are not forgotten, but when forgiven, they should not be brought up again. Other times, we think we can only forgive after the person who hurt us has suffered or made restitution. Revenge requires suffering and restitution, not forgiveness.
Letting go of the right for revenge has real benefits. It can lower blood pressure, reduce free-floating hostility associated with elevated cardiovascular problems, help you feel less stress, fearful or depressed, and restores you spiritually to a better relationship with the Lord. When the Bible talks about forgiveness, it's not just about restoring relationships between people, it's not just about modelling God's behaviour; the one who forgave us even when we didn't deserve it.., it's also about our OWN well-being.
Whatever grudge or resentment you've been holding on to, it's time to let it go. It's time to let go of the need for vengeance and justice. It's time to choose not to hold things against people, even if you've been wounded deeply.
Hate, anger and unforgiveness will eat us up from the inside if we don't release it. It sucks the joy out in life.
It's time to live a joy-filled life, and that means walking in forgiveness :)
