Pilot Knob Lutheran Letting Go 2/21/2024
Recently I was asked, “How can I tell if I have truly forgiven?” Good question! Forgiveness usually is not instant. Sometimes we hear this from family members whose son or daughter was murdered. I question the depth of their forgiveness so soon after the incident. Sometimes it’s a process to sort out the pain and unanswered questions and trauma. Depending on the hurt will influence the process of true forgiveness.
An excellent example is Joseph as recorded in Genesis 37-50. That’s a lot of information about one person, so it must be important and it is on many levels.
Joseph had every reason to become bitter and angry at all the injustices that took place. But it began with his haughty talk about his dreams that his family would one day bow down to him. That didn’t sit well with them so they wanted to kill him, but by God’s design had him sold into slavery. While working in Pharoah’s (Potiphar’s) house his wife tried to seduce Josheph and he ends up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The Baker, upon being release from prison was to put a good word in for him forgot until two years later. Worst of all, God allowed it all to take place.
Joseph was in the school of hard knocks and it took a while to shape his attitude and remove any bitterness due to the unfair treatment he had received. 1 Corinthians 13:5: Love is not self-seeking. . . .it does not keep a record of wrongs. We are not to keep a journal, mental or physical of all our hurts, offenses, or unfair treatment. Nor do we promote ourselves; we let God do the healing from hurts and promoting if and when he chooses.
Joseph was still holding on to his dreams, and ill feelings toward Potiphar’s wife, his brothers and God. It took a while for his dreams to come true, but when they did Joseph was a changed man. There was no bitterness and no grudges. Something happened to him in the last two years of his imprisonment.
Next week: Joseph meets his brothers and what does true forgiveness look like?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today: 3:45 Confirmation class.
Sunday 25, 9:00 AM Morning worship service.
Sermon: Stop Trying and Start Trusting Exodus 14:1-29
Baptism: Luke Michael Peine
10:15 Sunday school.
Today, 2-3:30 GriefShare Session 9.
March 3, Living Last Supper practice following lunch that will be provided.
GriefShare Please tell others. For more information go to https://www.griefshare.org/findagroupor contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
