It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you. Genesis 45:5

Read Genesis 45:1-13

There you have it! One act of forgiveness that changed the entire course of history. During Joseph’s rule as governor of Egypt famine was widespread including his own family back in Canaan.

Imagine what could have happened if Joseph refused to give food to his brothers. Joseph certainly had reason to refuse his brothers food. They sold him into slavery and he spent 13 years in an Egyptian prison before gaining favor with the Pharaoh.

But Joseph chose mercy and the results changed the course of history. Not only did he save his family from starvation, but he paved the way for God to bring peace and healing to a family that had been scarred by rivalry, deception, and division. God accomplished all of this through Joseph’s forgiveness-imagine what he can do when we choose to forgive. He can reunite families, overcome patterns of sin and bring peace to neighbors and nations. Let’s echo Jesus ‘words from the cross: Father forgive them…”