Joseph of Biblical lore is our ultimate rags to riches story.
Not only was he stripped and sold as a slave by his brothers, he was cast into prison in Egypt for upholding his moral standards.
He was beat down at every turn, and yet he became the most powerful man in Egypt, except for the pharaoh.
When Joseph’s brothers showed up, begging for mercy at Joseph’s feet, it was Joseph’s chance to get even.
Genesis 50:20 gives Joseph’s response to his brothers:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Joseph saw God’s hand in the events of his life, and he chose a better way.
Who do we need to forgive? Who’s done us wrong, extremely wrong, and it would feel fair to hurt them as we were hurt? Those are the very people to whom we need to speak kindly. Our forgiveness benefits them, but even more, it brings peace to us.
Jesus is our finest example of extreme forgiveness, especially to those who don’t deserve it.
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