Topic: BE MERCIFUL
Scripture: Genesis 50:19–21,
“But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”
Message
Joseph’s brother stood before him. This could have been his moment of revenge for them selling him into slavery and for the long years of his suffering in prison. Their lives were in his hands. But notice that Joseph is going to nourish and care for the ones who did him wrong. He had learned to let God be his vindicator, to forgive and show kindness to those who wronged him, and that God would not promote us if we are being vengeful.
It is easy to hold on to the hurt, to be vindictive and try to pay back people who have hurt us. One test we have to pass is not just to forgive people, but to be good to those who have not been good to us. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to them…Then your reward will be great.” That is God seeing if you are ready to be promoted. When God can trust you to handle favour, influence, and power without using it to be vindictive, He can take you to new levels.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I praise and thank You for Your loving-kindness and great mercy which is new every morning and remains steadfast and sure throughout the day – to strengthen and hold. Thank You for the glory of the cross.. knowing that I was estranged from Your heart of love and an outcast from the kingdom of heaven. Thank you for Your goodness over and over when I did not deserve it. Help me to have a heart that is free from being vindictive. Help me to forgive and do good to those who have done wrong to me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
