The Life of Joseph: Lesson Nine

Forgive the way God forgave you.

Joseph told them who he was, and he told them not to be angry with themselves. God sent him ahead to preserve life.

Genesis 45:4-5 (KJV): And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

He kissed all of his brothers and wept over them.

Genesis 45:15 (KJV): Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

We are told to forgive one another, even as God forgave us.

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV): And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Jesus said our own forgiveness depends on it.

Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV): For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.