Wrestling

Monday, December 2nd
Wrestling
By: Kaleigh Hoschar

What happens when we struggle with unforgiveness. Like Pastor Chris said, it creates a dark place in our hearts.

Trust is earned, forgiveness is not… we are called (and led by Jesus) to forgive others and in releasing those things we find peace and joy. 

So they approached[a] Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 

Then his brothers also wept,[b] fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 

So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.” -Genesis 50:16-21

How easy would it have been for Joseph to write his brothers off? How easy it would be to sink into unforgiveness for the atrocities that they committed against him. 

I would imagine that trust was not instantly restored between Joseph and his brothers, but forgiveness was necessary for Joseph to move on.

You see, when we fall into the temptation of unforgiveness we miss out on the peace and joy that comes with the release.

If you are wrestling with forgiving someone today, or forgiving yourself, I challenge you to leave it at the feet of Jesus.