When we are young we look at people and desire to be like someone we admire. As we grow older we see that they are not perfect, but flawed. If we have suffered some hurt, we do not hold onto it; we forgive the person. We should want the best for them or their memory. All this requires that God be in our heart. God loves us and wants us to be like his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one we desire to be like. He is the perfect person. He also forgives our sins as we are to forgive others. We cannot continue and grow in grace and favor without God.
The story of Joseph shows us how to forgive.
Gen 50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”
Gen 50:16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died:
Gen 50:17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
Gen 50:18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
Gen 50:19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
Gen 50:20 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.
Gen 50:21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
