At seventeen, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. He suffered for many years because of what his brother had done to him. Once he was ruler of Egypt, during the time of the famine, he held the power of life and death over his brothers. And despite what they’d done to him, and the things he’d had to go through, he chose not only to forgive them, but to feed them. He said: ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ (vv.20-21 NLT). How we treat the people who hurt us is important. Often our natural response is retaliation, anger or bitterness. We can hold on to what that person did to us for years. Everything they do after that is seen through the lens of bitterness and hurt. But God calls us not only to forgive people, but to be generous towards them. Ever heard the phrase ‘hurting people hurt people’? We need to be aware that people’s own situations may lead them to hurt others and be gracious towards them. And, just like God did for Joseph, He can use the hurt others have caused for good. He can redeem any situation. Whether that’s through growing us, blessing us or using it to advance the kingdom, this redemption means that we can stop holding on to bitterness. Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44 NKJV). Are we willing to do that?

What Now?

Next time someone does something which hurts you, pray for God to bless them and for Him to show you the good He’ll bring out of the situation.