Eric McLaren 06-28-20 // Joseph; A Man Characterized by Forgiveness

If someone does wrong to you, many will say, "Don't get mad, get even."   But Scripture takes a different approach to the wrongs done to us.  Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32 NASB).  Peter wrote to the church in Asia, "not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead" (1 Peter 3:9 NASB).

In today's lesson we examine the life of Joseph.  Here was a man sold into slavery by his brothers; wrongfully imprisoned in an Egyptian prison; and finally forgotten and left imprisoned by a man he helped.  But rather than getting mad, or getting even, Joseph continued to entrust himself to the Lord's will.  And when finally in a position to get even with his brothers, rather than bringing retribution, or seeking reparations, he forgave.

What lessons can we learn for ourselves from the life of Joseph?  May you be blessed as you listen to today's lesson.

Thank you for listening.