Being Like Joseph Who Blesses and Forgives by Greg Gordon

[Greg Gordon]

I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! – Genesis 45:4

Many of us have heard the dramatic story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. This young man gets abused and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He suffers greatly in prison and in other circumstances. Finally in an amazing turn of events, God brings him to a great place of prominence where he is one of the most powerful people in the known world. Many of us have had terrible things done to us in this life, and if we have not, just wait, it is coming. This world is full of hurt lives where we are sinned against in great ways. Joseph had such a great terrible thing done to him, his brothers even contemplated murdering him in the beginning. Now he was in the position and had the power to exact perfect vengeance to them. But what did he do? He forgave them completely. He actually was in such a place of realizing God’s grace and he did not even bring up any of their sins and details of what they did but just wanted to bless them! Jesus teaches us to bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44) To bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28). To “never avenge yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14). Joseph does not tell his brothers that he was the “one you sold into Egypt” to condemn them, rather he really wanted them to know he was their brother and he loved them greatly still. How do we get to the place where we can bless our brothers in the body of Christ that sin against us? How can we even get to the place were we can forgive enemies in this world?

We are called to forgive but blessing seems like it's too much. When we forgive at times we actually still secretly hope they will be exposed or judged for their sin, or at the judgment seat they will get what's coming to them. Such thinking is not forgiveness but a form of vengeance masked in a guise of spiritual humility. When we truly forgive someone as Christ forgives us, we need to come to the place where we can bless them and desire God’s blessing also on their lives. Do you realize God will actually bless your enemies and pour his grace and favour on their lives? Think of anyone that you have had or have ought against, think of their face and person, do you want that person blessed? It takes brokenness to bless others who hurt you. Joseph went through terrible circumstances but God was bringing him to a place of nothingness where he could share in the sufferings of Christ and have the heart of God. In the end when we bless and forgive others we will be blessed by God himself. God wants to anoint those who are free from bitterness in their Christian lives. Heavenly Father, I release, forgive and also bless that individual who caused me harm and hurt. In Jesus Name please bless them with your favour and forgiveness. Amen.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Thank you @Greg Gordon for sharing this with us.

Perhaps one of the most important and most overlooked messages in the Gospel.

Bless you ....><>

 

[Bill]

I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! – Genesis 45:4

Many of us have heard the dramatic story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. This young man gets abused and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He suffers greatly in prison and in other circumstances. Finally in an amazing turn of events, God brings him to a great place of prominence where he is one of the most powerful people in the known world. Many of us have had terrible things done to us in this life, and if we have not, just wait, it is coming. This world is full of hurt lives where we are sinned against in great ways. Joseph had such a great terrible thing done to him, his brothers even contemplated murdering him in the beginning. Now he was in the position and had the power to exact perfect vengeance to them. But what did he do? He forgave them completely. He actually was in such a place of realizing God’s grace and he did not even bring up any of their sins and details of what they did but just wanted to bless them! Jesus teaches us to bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44) To bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28). To “never avenge yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14). Joseph does not tell his brothers that he was the “one you sold into Egypt” to condemn them, rather he really wanted them to know he was their brother and he loved them greatly still. How do we get to the place where we can bless our brothers in the body of Christ that sin against us? How can we even get to the place were we can forgive enemies in this world?

We are called to forgive but blessing seems like it's too much. When we forgive at times we actually still secretly hope they will be exposed or judged for their sin, or at the judgment seat they will get what's coming to them. Such thinking is not forgiveness but a form of vengeance masked in a guise of spiritual humility. When we truly forgive someone as Christ forgives us, we need to come to the place where we can bless them and desire God’s blessing also on their lives. Do you realize God will actually bless your enemies and pour his grace and favour on their lives? Think of anyone that you have had or have ought against, think of their face and person, do you want that person blessed? It takes brokenness to bless others who hurt you. Joseph went through terrible circumstances but God was bringing him to a place of nothingness where he could share in the sufferings of Christ and have the heart of God. In the end when we bless and forgive others we will be blessed by God himself. God wants to anoint those who are free from bitterness in their Christian lives. Heavenly Father, I release, forgive and also bless that individual who caused me harm and hurt. In Jesus Name please bless them with your favour and forgiveness. Amen.

Forgiveness, and being forgiven, are some of the most potent prayers there are. Yes, i say prayers as well as with eachother.

Healing of all types work best, when the heart (soul) is mended.

 

[arimahoseloka]

Inspiring

 

[jaboyle100]

I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! – Genesis 45:4

Many of us have heard the dramatic story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. This young man gets abused and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He suffers greatly in prison and in other circumstances. Finally in an amazing turn of events, God brings him to a great place of prominence where he is one of the most powerful people in the known world. Many of us have had terrible things done to us in this life, and if we have not, just wait, it is coming. This world is full of hurt lives where we are sinned against in great ways. Joseph had such a great terrible thing done to him, his brothers even contemplated murdering him in the beginning. Now he was in the position and had the power to exact perfect vengeance to them. But what did he do? He forgave them completely. He actually was in such a place of realizing God’s grace and he did not even bring up any of their sins and details of what they did but just wanted to bless them! Jesus teaches us to bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44) To bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28). To “never avenge yourselves” (Romans 12:19). Bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14). Joseph does not tell his brothers that he was the “one you sold into Egypt” to condemn them, rather he really wanted them to know he was their brother and he loved them greatly still. How do we get to the place where we can bless our brothers in the body of Christ that sin against us? How can we even get to the place were we can forgive enemies in this world?

We are called to forgive but blessing seems like it's too much. When we forgive at times we actually still secretly hope they will be exposed or judged for their sin, or at the judgment seat they will get what's coming to them. Such thinking is not forgiveness but a form of vengeance masked in a guise of spiritual humility. When we truly forgive someone as Christ forgives us, we need to come to the place where we can bless them and desire God’s blessing also on their lives. Do you realize God will actually bless your enemies and pour his grace and favour on their lives? Think of anyone that you have had or have ought against, think of their face and person, do you want that person blessed? It takes brokenness to bless others who hurt you. Joseph went through terrible circumstances but God was bringing him to a place of nothingness where he could share in the sufferings of Christ and have the heart of God. In the end when we bless and forgive others we will be blessed by God himself. God wants to anoint those who are free from bitterness in their Christian lives. Heavenly Father, I release, forgive and also bless that individual who caused me harm and hurt. In Jesus Name please bless them with your favour and forgiveness. Amen.

 

[jaboyle100]

So true. It takes brokenness to bless others who hurt us. I am able to forgive and bless those who hurt me because I lean on the Holy Spirit. He gives me His power to walk in love. If I didn't trust Him in these situations, it would be very difficult. I am so thankful God has delivered me from any bitterness I might have had before I developed a personal relationship with Jesus. I do pray for my enemies and I have actually gotten to the place where I'm happy to do so. Thank you for such an encouraging message, one I'm sure I will visit again.

 

[akhilesh vijay]

This s highly nonsense ...suppose a woman was raped by a terrible rapist .will u still say that woman to pray in this evil way???There MUST be punishment for all the evil that evil people do ..if God ONLY blesses such evil people instead of meting out Judgement he fails as a God in the very first place ..God of Bible calls himself God of Justice ..By asking us to pray and bless such evil people God is contradicting himself here ..Now u will say what about the sins you did ..I repented and repent but if I were the one who did such evil things ,,then I should have the physical consequences ..This is the main reason I am planning to leave christianity in the first place

 

[SeekerofTruth]

I noticed that in the account of Joseph and his brothers, they were sorry for what they had done.

 

[Dave L]

Joseph said God meant it for good. So to be bitter about it would have been to be bitter towards God unwittingly. God controls our lives and all we experience. Not even a sparrow drops dead without him. So an issue we might have with an enemy is actually an issue with God

 

[Bill]

This s highly nonsense ...suppose a woman was raped by a terrible rapist .will u still say that woman to pray in this evil way???There MUST be punishment for all the evil that evil people do ..if God ONLY blesses such evil people instead of meting out Judgement he fails as a God in the very first place ..God of Bible calls himself God of Justice ..By asking us to pray and bless such evil people God is contradicting himself here ..Now u will say what about the sins you did ..I repented and repent but if I were the one who did such evil things ,,then I should have the physical consequences ..This is the main reason I am planning to leave christianity in the first place

There will be punishment , when God deems it , not when mankind demands it .

Corrie Tenboom met a man who was an officer at the concentration camp she was at . She talks about having to forgive him .

It is important , no matter how terrible the event , to forgive and to be forgiven . It is what God does for us too.

Just think how terrible the sin is that we give to God . We , who are born again , yet still sin .

 

[Br. Bear]

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:7-8

 

[*Lavender]

Joseph gave amazing forgiveness through the strength and power of God, not found in human strength.

God has forgiven us and therefore we need to forgive others.
That sets a person free and heals them.

 

[Truth_seeker2022]

This s highly nonsense ...suppose a woman was raped by a terrible rapist .will u still say that woman to pray in this evil way???There MUST be punishment for all the evil that evil people do ..if God ONLY blesses such evil people instead of meting out Judgement he fails as a God in the very first place ..God of Bible calls himself God of Justice ..By asking us to pray and bless such evil people God is contradicting himself here ..Now u will say what about the sins you did ..I repented and repent but if I were the one who did such evil things ,,then I should have the physical consequences ..This is the main reason I am planning to leave christianity in the first place

God is not only justice but also merciful. So Jesus took our punishment upon Himself on the cross to fulfil God's demand for justice & forgave us without we needing to bearing the cost, thus being merciful.

 

[GodB4Us]

This s highly nonsense ...suppose a woman was raped by a terrible rapist .will u still say that woman to pray in this evil way???There MUST be punishment for all the evil that evil people do ..if God ONLY blesses such evil people instead of meting out Judgement he fails as a God in the very first place ..God of Bible calls himself God of Justice ..By asking us to pray and bless such evil people God is contradicting himself here ..Now u will say what about the sins you did ..I repented and repent but if I were the one who did such evil things ,,then I should have the physical consequences ..This is the main reason I am planning to leave christianity in the first place

Remember Paul when he was Saul in hunting down Christians to arrest them and have hem stoned to death?

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Or the author of that Amazing Grace song for how he committed murder in a bar fight, not counting the chained slaves he had thrown overboard during the storm to save the ship?

Christ did set the example for us on the cross but we are to trust him to help us to do this, love our enemies enough to forgive them for they know not what they do.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

I can't do that but with Jesus Christ in me, trusting Him to do His work in me to help me to forgive them for they know not what they do; to be free of that anger and hatred and malice, so the sun does not go down on that anger, and to have His peace.... is the only way we can be fruitful and ready to forgive them when we see them in Heaven because to see them there means they will not be lie that any more because Jesus saved them from their sins to be like Him; same as you.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

May He remind us of what He has gone through for our sins so we can call on Him to help us to forgive others as He has forgiven us.

1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

[Bill]

This s highly nonsense ...suppose a woman was raped by a terrible rapist .will u still say that woman to pray in this evil way???There MUST be punishment for all the evil that evil people do ..if God ONLY blesses such evil people instead of meting out Judgement he fails as a God in the very first place ..God of Bible calls himself God of Justice ..By asking us to pray and bless such evil people God is contradicting himself here ..Now u will say what about the sins you did ..I repented and repent but if I were the one who did such evil things ,,then I should have the physical consequences ..This is the main reason I am planning to leave christianity in the first place

There is a book called The Satan Seller. I cannot remember the author of it someone else might be able to help me with that. But in this autobiography he talks about raping a woman for the glory of Satan. The very woman that he rapes is a Christian and forgives him and prays for his conversion.

Mike Warnke I think

 

[Johann]

There is a book called The Satan Seller. I cannot remember the author of it someone else might be able to help me with that. But in this autobiography he talks about raping a woman for the glory of Satan. The very woman that he rapes is a Christian and forgives him and prays for his conversion.

Mike Warnke I think

Yes, Mike Warnke.

Shalom
Johann