Forgiveness

Isn't it interesting that we are gathered here today because we have one thing in common - forgiveness. We all needed God's forgiveness to be saved, yet we find it so hard to extend that same forgiveness to others. Scripture says "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and this truth applies powerfully to forgiveness. I say it is better to be wronged and be able to forgive than to be the one doing the wrong and needing forgiveness.

The word "forgive" is found 108 times in Scripture, and its first mention is found right here in our text. This passage shows us Joseph's remarkable response to his brothers who had sold him into slavery years earlier. When their father Jacob died, the brothers feared that Joseph would finally take his revenge. Instead, we see one of the most beautiful pictures of forgiveness in all of Scripture.