Listen to this devotion
Joy in forgiveness
In the Word
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
Of the Word
Joseph’s brothers hated him enough to plan murder. He felt their hatred as they taunted him about his dreams, threw him into a deep pit, accepted the traders’ coins, and sent him into slavery (Genesis 37). Years passed and God did not forget Joseph. Instead He elevated him to a high position in Egypt. How easy it would have been for Joseph to repay evil for evil when his hungry brothers appeared before him. Instead, he forgave them. Yes, he tested their hearts and motives, but he forgave them and remained faithful to God. Only because of God’s grace could he forgive all that his brothers had done (Genesis 45).
How can we forgive those who hate us and hurt us? It is only by God’s grace. It is only because in Christ, God has forgiven us. The sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary gives full coverage for our sins — for all of our sins. We are forgiven by God in order to be forgiving to others.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, forgiving others is not easy for me. I often want to pay back and hold grudges. Give me a kind and compassionate heart so that I, by Your grace, can forgive others as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 18/30 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
