Key Verse: Genesis 41:50-52

Joseph was Jacob’s favourite son. It is easy to see that jealousy and conflict can easily arise among Jacob’s household. We know from the Bible that God wants us to forgive others so that He can forgive us. Matthew 6:12, The Lord’s Prayer, it says “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” The greatest benefit of forgiving others is the restoration of our relationship with God.

From Joseph’s life we can learn some other benefits of forgiving others. Genesis 37-50 tells the story of Joseph. Joseph was a smart, intelligent and handsome young man. In one day his life changed from living a life of privilege to being a slave, from being the beloved of his father to being an insignificant servant. Yet we can see from the Bible that God was in control of his life the whole time. God allowed all these things to happen to Joseph to refine his character. God was also preparing him for his calling and destiny. Egypt was Joseph’s destiny.

God mapped out a journey for Joseph. God has also mapped out a journey for us. We need to ask God what is our calling and purpose for our life in this church? We need to seek God out.

Joseph started out with such hope for the future, but instead of having success after success, he had disappointment after disappointment. In those difficult times God was refining Joseph’s character and training Joseph to trust in Him.

God called Joseph when he was 17 years old and he stood before Pharaoh at 30 years of age. It took 13 years of God training, equipping and refining Joseph until he was ready. Joseph learnt more than management skills and interpreting dreams, he learnt to trust in God and in His promises. The doors were opened to God’s promises and blessing because Joseph forgave his brothers and other people.

Forgive others so God can forgive us (Mark 11:25). You can’t wait for people to say sorry to you first before you forgive them. Some people may not even know they offended you. Are you going to hold on to that unforgiveness in your heart? It is so important to forgive others first.

Some benefits of forgiving others released by God:

1. Restoration and Healing (v.51)

God can heal the wound in our heart and memories. Forgiving is not forgetting, but God takes away the sting and pain of those memories. In our life’s journey we will hurt others and others will hurt us because none of us are perfect. I tell new converts that come to our church that everyone in church is at a different level of spiritual growth. Some are more like Jesus and some are not. You may get hurt and disappointed because you expect them to be like Jesus and they are not and yet we need to instantly forgive so the bitterness does not take root.

If you have lived with that bitterness and unforgiveness for a long time it does take time to forgive. If you say I forgive or I have forgiven then let God do the rest. Gradually healing will take place in your heart and when you see that person again or hear their name there is no more hurt. For our own good, well-being, and health, forgive others even if they don’t apologise to you. So that God can heal the wound and our memories.

2. God releases blessing into our life (v.52)

Who doesn’t want blessing? If we could see the blessing ahead of us, we would let go of the unforgiveness because we are waiting for God’s blessing. Joseph was a slave and then even became a prisoner but Joseph trusted in God and learned to forgive others. God was able to cause Joseph to be fruitful in the land of Egypt. God blessed the work of his hands and Joseph became the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph’s dream was fulfilled and everyone bowed down to him (Genesis 41:43). God also blessed Joseph with his own family with two sons. Forgiving others releases blessing into our life.

3. When God blesses us, we become a channel of blessing to others (Genesis 50:20)

God used Joseph to save many people from hunger and death. Joseph blessed Pharaoh by making Pharaoh the richest man in the known world because everyone had to bring their silver and gold to Egypt in order to buy food. All the land (except for the priest’s) went to Pharaoh. You can imagine the wealth of the world came to Pharaoh. That is why Pharaoh was good to Joseph and let him choose whatever land he wanted. Through Joseph being able to forgive others he became a blessing not only to himself but to many others all around the world.

If we allow God to use us, we can be channel of blessing to the world. There’s no point asking God to bless us if we don’t obey God’s commandments. God tests our heart. The more you give to God the more He blesses you, it is a continuous flow. When you obey Him that is when He opens the window of heaven and protects your finances. In the times to come, you want the Lord to protect your money.

 

God wants us to forgive others so He can forgive us. There are benefits when we forgive others. There is no need to wait for others to say sorry to you before you forgive them. Keep your heart right before God. When you forgive others God releases restoration and healing in your life, God releases blessing into your life, and you can become a channel of blessing to others.

 

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If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart please pray the following prayer.
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.”

If you have just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, congratulations! We invite you to contact us as we would love to pray a blessing over your life and help guide you on your journey.

The next step. As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptised as commanded by Christ.
• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local church where you can worship God.

God bless you.