You’ll Preserve Their Dignity and Self-Worth

and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

Imagine how Joseph’s brothers felt when he said, ‘It was not you who sent me here, but God’ (Genesis 45:8). Is he serious? God did it? This is a new level of forgiveness! Preserving the dignity and self-worth of others – that’s what God does with us! With full knowledge of our sinful past, He covers us with the garment of grace. And He expects us to do the same for others. As you read the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one, you might think the sin of adultery between David and Bathsheba was part of the divine strategy all along. No, sin never is, and David paid a high price. Yet the Bible records these events as though they were supposed to have happened in just that way. The Bible says,‘Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased.’ When you truly forgive, there’s no place for self-righteousness. You’re able to forgive because: 1) you remember what you yourself have been forgiven of; 2) you acknowledge what you’re capable of; 3) you see God’s hand at work in the bigger picture. Joseph wasn’t being condescending or patronizing, nor was he thinking, ‘I’ll be admired for being so gracious.’ No, during his years in prison God had moved on his heart and changed his attitude. So when Joseph said,‘You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good’ (Genesis 50:20), he really meant it! That kind of response takes forgiveness to a whole new level!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for ALL the times that You have forgiven me and covered over my guilt. Help me do the same with others who have wronged me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen