Title [Genesis 45:1-8] Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world is to forgive those who have harmed you and harm you and to embrace reconciliation. This beautiful scene is documented in detail in this chapter. It is about Joseph who forgave his brothers who tried to kill him and sold them into slavery in Egypt, and hugged and comforted them with love. How beautiful would it be if we could see something like this in us? Jesus even said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And he even showed me what he saw. You can learn what true love is and what a believer's life should be like from the Lord who prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Deacon Stephen, the first martyr, also died praying for the forgiveness of those who turned away from him, so I hope that we too will become true saints who practice forgiveness and reconciliation like true Christians.
1. Joseph forgave and reconciled his brothers
There are specific expressions in which Joseph forgave his brothers. Forgiveness seems to be the way to go.
①I couldn't control my emotions and cried loudly. Already, Joseph forgave his brothers from the heart and exposed his feelings. Having done this in spite of the status and face of the leader of the Han Dynasty, he already showed that he had no bad feelings with his brothers. Forgiveness must first come from the heart, and it must be expressed in emotion.
② I reassured my brothers with words. When he revealed his identity as Joseph, he comforted and reassured his brothers, who were surprised and did not know what to do. He said, “Do not be troubled and do not lament.” Forgiveness requires words. Some people say that they forgive because they have forgiven in their hearts, but concretely, verbal forgiveness and comfort are needed.
③ Complete forgiveness and reconciliation were achieved by hugging the brothers. First, he hugged his brother Benjamin and wept, and he kissed and hugged his brothers and wept (14-15). The brothers learned the truth about Joseph. Only then did Joseph's brothers speak (15). The hardened body and mind melted.
④ I supplied the needs of my brothers.
2. Joseph regarded everything as God's work