23September2017 Forgiveness

Forgiveness!  Difficult in theory, nearly impossible in practice.  Two stories, one recent, another from a couple years ago, the other ancient, have me pondering forgivenss lately.
No doubt you heard about the American college students recently attacked in France by an acid-throwing assailant.  The response of a couple of the victims toward someone who intentionally attempted to harm them is what stunned me.   

“I ask that if you send thoughts and prayers our way, please consider thinking about/praying for our attacker so that she may receive the help she needs and deserves…mental illness is not a choice and should not be villainized.” Michelle Krug

“Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to see if I’m ok and/or has been praying for us…I pray that the attacker would be healed from her mental illness in the name of Jesus and receive the forgiveness and salvation that can only come from Him.” Courtney Silverling

Then there are the words of Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, speaking in the wake of 24 Egyptian Christians beheaded by terrorists in Libya in 2015:

"Of course it will sometimes go against what people want, but as Christians we must forgive. I will continue to advocate for people who are oppressed, and to stand up for those who do not have a voice of their own, but when it comes to crimes perpetrated against us, there is only one way forward, and that is to forgive. If we don't forgive what do we have? Retaliation, resentment and anger, but no solution and no closure."

Genesis 37 describes one of the saddest accounts in Scripture.  Joseph, Jacob's eleventh son, 17 years-old at the time, is sold into slavery BY HIS BOTHERS.  He is human trafficked or better stated inhumanely trafficked. You know the story.  Joseph is betrayed, nearly murdered, sold, enslaved and treated as dead.  Like someone throwing acid on you.  Like being murdered because of your faith. Joseph's treatment by his brothers was the embodiment of hate. 

Now consider Joseph's actions in Genesis 50 to see the embodiment of hate's opposite, forgiveness.   And his words, particularly those found in verse 19 are truly earth shattering.  “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Such unimaginable grace in spite of such ill treatment.  

Maybe you've struggled with forgiveness.  Maybe you know you need to forgive someone but just cant seem to muster the strength?  Below are a couple reminders we see from the life of Joseph, that ring true in the lives of others like Courtney Silverling or Bishop Angelos,  that may help in that regard:

1.    Remember Who is in charge.  You are not in the place of judgement.  God is in charge and He is more than capable of directing or shaping our circumstances to His will.   He doesnt miss a thing, including the inner thoughts, motivations or things done secret.  Let HIm sort it out.

2.    Keep your Perspective.  No matter what type of evil they plot, and even carry out, God can and does use it for good. Hear Joseph's words.  “God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Gen.45:5) “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors.”(Gen.45:7) “It was not you who sent me here, but God…” (Gen.45:8)

3.  Bless those who curse you.  "Be encouraged/ Do not fear… " See how Joseph set the worries and angst of his brothers at ease.  Imagine their relief upon hearing these words, when they just knew they were going to die.   Another thing not to be missed is that Joseph blessed his brothers' families.   “I will provide for you and for your little ones.”  This was generational transformation.  When you forgive, when you bless those who curse you, not only do you bless those who offended or hurt, but you bless their families.