What does forgiveness involve? Why is it so hard to forgive? The Bible teaches us to forgive one another. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us this too. Christians must be able to forgive. Joseph’s brothers sold him to the merchants, and he ended up in Egypt. In Genesis 45:1-15, while Joseph was in a position of power in Egypt, he forgave his brothers.

What are the lessons we can learn about forgiveness?

1.  Forgiveness involves reconciliation. In Greek, forgiveness has the meaning of “through” and “change.” In order for reconciliation to happen, something has to change. As a result of the change in Joseph’s brothers, Joseph sought reconciliation with them. Are we afraid of resolving issues with others? Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Do not harbour bitterness in your heart. Always seek to reconcile. Will you take the initiative to reconcile? Joseph did.

 2.  Forgiveness involves submission to God. Joseph forgave his brothers because he saw God’s purpose, timing and plan. He submitted himself to the will of God. Are we angry with God for something that happened to us? It could be because we do not want to submit to God. God knows best and His plan for us is always the best for us. If you do not submit to God’s plan for you, you will not forgive others. Joseph could get angry with God, but he did not. He knew that God was the One who sent him to Egypt.

 3.  Forgiveness involves forgetting. Joseph did not recount the past to his brothers (although the past was still in his memory) because he had forgiven them completely. He knew it was God who was in control of all that happened to him. Thus, despite what his brothers had done to him, Joseph promised to take care of them and their families, and their father (Gen 45:9-11).

We have experienced the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. If God can forgive us, why can’t we forgive others? Is our pride preventing us from forgiving others? May God help us to submit to His will for us: to forgive others.