” And Joseph said unto them, Fear not….. ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good… therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” Genesis 50 vs 15- 21. Joseph was badly betrayed by his brothers. Their action stemmed from hatred rooted in envy. They meant to truncate his dreams and were brutal in their cold-hearted attempt.
The brothers were still reeling in guilt, long after they had reconnected with him and felt vulnerable after their father died. Consequently, they sought to appeal to Joseph, evoking their Dad’s memory. He would only reiterate his forgiveness and the fact he had left the bitterness of the past. He never held grudges. Little wonder, he prevailed over all his setbacks and travails. Likewise today, if we will get to forgive and let go of grudges, we will find healing and our adversaries will lose their hold and influence over us. And the same applies when we offend others.
The brothers had bemoaned their evil against Joseph but had to learn to forgive themselves too. When we truly apologise and make amends for our wrongdoing, we should also forgive ourselves. Then are we set on the path of true healing. Amen
