The Freedom of Total Forgiveness | Genesis 50:15-21
After Jacob died, his sons feared reprisal from Joseph for having sold him into slavery many years before, despite Joseph forgiving them 17 years earlier. In response to their request for forgiveness, Joseph was grieved and reminded them of God’s sovereign rule over their action. As a result, God brought it about “that many people should be kept alive” (v. 20). In the end Joseph alleviated their fears and comforted them that he would provide for them and their little ones. From this study we learn that total forgiveness brings true freedom and means letting the offender off the hook and seeking their good.
- Total forgiveness is unnatural (v. 15a)
- Total forgiveness does not depend on the offender’s repentance (vv. 16-17)
- Total forgiveness releases the offender of the debt owed (v. 18-19)
- Total forgiveness returns blessing for evil (v. 21)
- Total forgiveness is possible when you look beyond the pain to God (v. 20)