15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and will pay us back in full for all of the evil that we did to him.” 16 They sent the following message to Joseph: “Before he died your father commanded us, 17a ‘You are to tell Joseph, “Please forgive the offense of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. (Ge 50:15–17a)
Forgiveness doesn’t mean there are no _________________________ for sin.
If I forgive them then there will be no consequences.
______________________________is difficult and time-consuming work.
It is ok to put ______________________ around yourself to prevent physical, emotional, and/or spiritual _____________.
1 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For no authority exists except by God, and the authorities that do exist have been established by God. 2 Therefore the one who rebels against the authority is opposing God’s institution, and those who oppose will bring judgment on themselves. (Ro 13:1–2)
There is a difference between not ______________ up a stone and leaving it to God and _______________ out sin.
17b Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down in front of him, and they said, “See now, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring this to pass and to keep many people alive, as it is this day. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones.” He comforted them and spoke to them in a kind way. (Ge 50:17b–21)
The forgiven, _______________!
_______________________heals _______________.
23 When he was insulted, he did not insult in return. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would be dead to sins and alive to righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. (1 Pe 2:23–24)
55 Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Co 15:55–57)
Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Ro 12:19)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Ro 8:37)
____________ wounds and scars give us __________.
4 He [God] will wipe away every tear from their [our] eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.” 5 The one who was seated on the throne said to me, “Look, I am making everything new!” He also said, “Write, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Re 21:4–5)
Points to Ponder
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
Consider the story of Joseph’s life and reread his words in Genesis 50. Why was Joseph able to leave the stones alone? What one thing from his story do you want to apply to how you deal with the scars you have?
When Jesus rose from the dead his scars remained. Read Mark 16:1-8. How does the resurrected Jesus prove that he longs to reconcile with real sinners? How do Jesus’ scars give you hope and help you deal with the scars that you have?
