Word for the day “Forgiveness is an act of grace”
Genesis 45:1 (NIV) Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So, there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
FORGIVENESS IS THE ACTION NEEDED FOR AUTHENTIC RECONCILIATION.
Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. I’m still learning that forgiveness is an act of grace. Grace means it may not be deserved but you receive it, you give it, you make a decision to give it anyway.
When we embrace true forgiveness, we can move forward in our relationships in a progressive manner. Our relationships with family and friends will not endure the test of time if the people involved are unable to administer forgiveness.
I don’t just mean saying the words “I forgive you” but actually relating to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that sincerely demonstrate the grace of sincere forgiveness. If we are not careful, we can to our own detriment only give voice to forgiveness and experience a short-term element of forgiveness. However, when our act of forgiveness isn’t evidenced by the way we live, love, and handle life, true reconciliation will never reach the intent the Lord purposed for our lives.
Forgiveness in a true sense sets all parties involved free from condemnation, remorse, regret, hate, and the vicious cycle of oppression.
FORGIVENESS DOESN’T MEAN THE OFFENSE IS NOT INCONSEQUENTIAL.
I have personally discovered that just as important as defining what forgiveness is, we must have an understanding of what forgiveness is not. Researchers who study or teach forgiveness make clear that when you forgive, you do not trivialize or deny the seriousness of an offense against you. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean excusing offenses. Though forgiveness can help reconcile a damaged relationship, it doesn’t obligate you to reconcile with the person who harmed you or release them from personal accountability. At those moments when I speak on forgiveness, I know that I will be speaking to a real need in people’s lives. Every one of us has been hurt deeply by someone else, maybe a parent, a spouse, a relative, a sibling, a close friend, a loved one, or perhaps a stranger.
Sometimes it is hurt that came from some violation or harmful act. It may have been something that somebody should have done but didn’t. Or maybe something that took place over many years. It may be something that happened in a moment.
Why does the Lord make forgiveness of such great value for our lives? I have discovered personally that forgiveness reflects God’s character. When we forgive, we reflect the heavenly Father’s grace and love.
The standard is this: “Forgive as God has forgiven you”. Would you believe, forgiveness gives us the opportunity to extend to others what God has extended to each of us. Forgiveness not only releases us physically and emotionally, but it also releases us Spiritually. One of the greatest barriers to living an effective life in the power of spiritual vitality is an unforgiving heart. We are released and have the power to release others from the confining oppression that is a stronghold of unforgiveness.
Lastly, unforgiveness is ultimately a destructive force to each of us reaching God’s plan, purpose, and potential in our destiny.
Quote-Nelson Mandela “Forgiveness liberates the soul, that is why it is such a powerful weapon”.
POINT TO PONDER
We will have wasted years and experience broken hearts in our life’s outcomes when we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive. Remember your family, friends, and even your foes need your willingness to forgive and be set free.
Today's passage on the life of Joseph and his brothers has touched my life in an amazing way. Forgiveness is really an act of God's grace that we can all experience. Joseph forgave his brothers by the grace of God, and what an amazing outcome read (Genesis Chapters 37-50) and see for yourself.
Special thanks!
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Kingdom Blessings,