Getting past the past

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Getting past the past

His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” --Genesis 50:18

We live in a culture that loves paybacks. Many people hunger to get even with those who have hurt or betrayed them.

But paybacks don’t relieve the hurt. In fact, the more you contemplate a hurt, the more it grows and the angrier you become. And before you know it, anger and resentment turn into bitterness. And that bitterness grows like a cancer, and it spreads and consumes a person.

If anyone had the “right” to be bitter toward someone, it was Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery and he suffered unimaginable heartache, injustices, and indignities for over a decade as a result.

No one would have blinked twice if Joseph had retaliated against his brothers when they appeared in Egypt in need of grain. But Joseph didn’t avenge himself. Here’s why.

Joseph had not allowed anger, hurt, and bitterness into his heart. Under the worst conditions, Joseph had grown in godly character. And he forgave his brothers and he met their needs with joy.

Has someone wronged you terribly? Do you find that you are in the bondage of bitterness?

Let Jesus set you free from your brokenness. Ask him to help you get past your past and allow him to heal your heart so that you can truly give the gift of forgiveness.

When you do, you will experience a freedom you’ve never known.

Jack Graham