Let's Forgive

Recently, I attended BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) which the lessons are taken from the whole book of Genesis for this year, 2006.

I have heard so many times the story of Joseph in the past, but somehow this time the story (lesson) which was discussed at BSF has a huge impact on me. The more I read about it, the more I realize of how rich the story was.

In the midst of the unjust, suffering and painful circumstances as follow:
1. Sold as a slave as a result of the jealousy of his brothers.
2. Being imprisoned as a result of the lies of Potiphar's wife.
3. Being forgotten by the cupbearer (the prisoner who was helped by Joseph).

Yet, Joseph hold on on his faith, persevere and trusting that God is always with him. Indeed, the Bible recorded so many times throughout the life of Joseph that the LORD is with him ( LORD's hand is with him ).

The thing that challenge me in the story of Joseph that there is this 'reconciliation' process that takes place between Joseph and his brothers at the end. Joseph did not hold grudges, instead embracing his brothers and save their lives from the severe famine that took place in the region at the time. The bad things that happened to him in the past are no longer matter now, all he wants to do towards his brothers is to FORGIVE and to RECONCILE. Let gone be by gone ...

Perhaps this is the beauty of the story in which at the end God's grace transforms Joseph in a such away that he could say as follow to his brothers:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

Perhaps it is very difficult to share honestly about the pain that we go through in life and yet to forgive towards a person or a group of people that involved. In having said that, by God's grace and His love in Jesus Christ who died to reconcile between man and God so that everyone of us can have eternal life, let that transforms each of us as in Joseph.

Go and gently share the hurt and the pain that we go through especially with the person involved and let's forgive and reconcile towards one another while we still have the chance.

Indeed, the book of Genesis opens my eyes to see the faithfulness of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph himself, and most importantly the faithfulness, the sovereignty and the love of God towards His people.

May God be with all of us ... Amen