Peace With Others

In the book of Genesis, Joseph was the favorite son of Israel, also known as Jacob. And his brothers hated him because of it. One day, they did an evil thing to Joseph and threw him into a cistern. Joseph pleaded for his life (Genesis 42:21), but they cruelly sold him as a slave to some Midianite traders. Joseph was then sold to an Egyptian official named Potiphar, and God gave Joseph success as he served in this household. Then Joseph was wrongly accused and imprisoned, but with a sudden turn of events, he was put in charge of the whole land of Egypt, and God helped him prepare for a famine that was coming. When famine came into the land of Joseph’s family, his father, Jacob, sent his other sons to Egypt to buy grain. When Joseph met them, they didn’t recognize him, and he spoke harshly to them. After he had tested them, Joseph revealed his true identity and wept. He did not reject or resent his brothers. There was no bitterness in his heart. Instead of repaying them for the wrong they had done to him, Joseph accepted them. He treated them well. He forgave them. He willingly made peace with them. Joseph was at peace with God, and he was able to give that same peace to his brothers, even providing for their needs. Joseph’s forgiveness foreshadows the great forgiveness Jesus would bring to the whole world. Jesus paid for all our wrongdoing by dying on the cross and raising from the dead. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). And He calls us to love others as He loves us, not taking revenge but doing good to our enemies (Romans 12:17-21). When someone wrongs you, God empowers you to forgive. Through Jesus, you can walk in the way of peace. Following Him is the path that brings healing, love, and joy. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He chose to forgive the people who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He paved the way for peace. As you follow the way of Jesus, you—like Joseph—can live at peace with others. • Golda Dilema • When do you find it challenging to live at peace with others? • Remember, forgiving someone does not always mean being in close relationship with them. If you have questions about how to have loving boundaries after someone has hurt you, who is a trusted adult you can talk to? “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me [Joseph] here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Genesis 45:1-Genesis 45:15; Romans 12:17-Romans 12:21