FORGIVENESS: A LIFESTYLE
Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! (Matthew 18:7)
We have all been offended in an occasion and in the same way we have offended someone else. One of the most common ways to offend others is through our words.
When we feel offended by someone, we must discern why.
This means that we must be prepared so that when the offense comes to our life it does not affect us as much; and instead we can be benefitted from it.
OFFENSE IS A STEP TOWARDS MATURITY (Gen. 37:5)
Joseph is an example that even when offenses are very severe they can still benefit us when we know who we are in God. What should we do to use offense to our advantage?
Keep the dream you desire to achieve alive: Joseph was thrown into a cistern, he was sold by his brothers, imprisoned unjustly; but he never lost the hope of reaching the dream God gave him.
Understand we are not the result of events but of processes: Joseph was not able to obtain his dreams without first having to go through the process; because he was an immature young man. The offense his brothers caused him were only events that marked periods of his life and that pushed him towards God’s purpose.
Understand that God has a purpose in everything that happens to us: (Gen. 45.5) Joseph came to understand that it had not been his brothers who sent him to Egypt, but that he had been sent to help preserve the people of Israel. This had eternal results since Jesus, the Savior of the World was born from this people.
Do not take the place of a judge: (Gen. 50:19-20) Joseph had the power to make justice with his own hands, but still he did not take advantage of his authority; instead he forgave his brothers and recognized that justice was in God’s hands.
Think about it:
- Have you been hurt before? What has been your reaction in regards to that wound?
- Have you ever used pain to your advantage? If you have not, then what will you do to prepare yourself before the offense and use it to your advantage?
