Love And Forgiveness
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 42 & Psalm 41 (NIV)
Lye Sam Tho (Steward, LCEC)
READ:
Genesis 42 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
I observed several emotions in Genesis 42 – Joseph wept in sadness (v 24) after he realised it was his brothers who sold him into slavery. His brothers felt distressed (v 21), guilty (v22) and terrified (v28). They thought they were being punished by God for what they had done. Their father, Jacob, felt anguished (v 36) and sorrowful (v 38) over the loss of Joseph, then Simeon, and potentially Benjamin.
Although it pained Joseph after he knew the truth, instead of resentment and revenge, he responded with love and forgiveness by giving bags of grains and sacks of silver to his brothers for their journey home (v 25). However, because of guilt, his brothers were fearful and suspicious.
The relationships in Jacob’s family were complicated and estranged. Jacob favoured Joseph thus there was jealousy and rivalry amongst his sons.
APPLY:
How should we respond to difficult interpersonal challenges, especially when we have been betrayed or wronged? It is human to feel angry and become vengeful. Joseph’s response of compassion and forgiveness reminds me that we must start with the right posture of the heart. When we love, we can forgive.
1 Corinthians 13, verses 4 to 7 comes to mind.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
We are called to put God as the head of our household, to follow what it means to love and honour our family. When faced with trials, we should build harmony and not hatred, offer forgiveness and not resentment toward another.
DO:
This year’s theme on family discipleship is helpful for my spiritual journey. I am to be transformed more and more into Christlikeness in my roles as a parent, spouse, child, and sibling. I recognise sin is the cause of broken relationships, and I should respond with love and compassion to all who hurt me. I should also seek forgiveness from those I have hurt. These are not easy tasks. I lean on the good works of Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit to spur me on.
I am reminded through the Lord’s prayer:
“My Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give me this day my daily bread. And forgive me my trespasses, as I forgive those who trespass against me. And lead me not into temptation; but deliver me from evil.”
May this be etched on my heart. May I live by it.
PRAY:
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your steadfast love, forgiving me time and again when I disobey and sin against you. I pray for your Holy Spirit to guide my every thought so that my deeds are edifying, and others can come to experience your love and compassion, and accept you as their God and saviour. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
