Embracing Brokenness: The Power of Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Forgiveness Brings Freedom

Forgiveness is not just a gift to the person who wronged you—it is a gift to yourself. When you choose to forgive, you release the bitterness and pain that can weigh you down and keep you from experiencing the fullness of life God intends. Joseph’s story shows that even after deep betrayal, letting go of resentment opened the door for God to use him in powerful ways. Instead of being trapped by anger, Joseph was able to lead, serve, and ultimately save many lives. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks freedom and healing, both for you and for those around you. [15:00]

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: Who is someone you need to forgive today, and what would it look like to release your bitterness and let God bring freedom into your heart?

Day 2: Let Go of Bitterness and Embrace Kindness

Bitterness, anger, and resentment are like carrying a scorpion in your pocket—they sting you over and over again. God calls us to put these things away, not just tuck them aside, but to truly let them go. When you choose kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, you reflect the heart of Christ and open yourself to healing. The act of forgiving others is not always easy, but it is essential for living in the freedom and peace that God desires for you. [15:56]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: What is one hurt or grudge you are still carrying that you need to put away today, and how can you take a step toward kindness and forgiveness?

Day 3: Forgive as God Has Forgiven You

Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not optional for His followers—it is a command. When you stand before God in prayer, you are called to forgive anyone you have something against, just as your Father in heaven forgives you. This act of forgiveness is not just about restoring relationships with others; it is about aligning your heart with God’s heart and experiencing His grace in a deeper way. Forgiveness is a mysterious exchange where, as you give, you also receive healing and freedom. [16:56]

Mark 11:25 (ESV)
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Reflection: As you pray today, is there someone you need to forgive so that your relationship with God can be unhindered and your heart can be at peace?

Day 4: Repentance and Asking for Forgiveness Heals

Asking for forgiveness is just as important as granting it. It takes courage and humility to admit when you have hurt someone, but repentance is a powerful step toward healing and restoration. Even if the other person cannot or will not forgive you, the act of sincerely saying “I’m sorry” brings freedom and healing to your own heart. God honors your obedience in seeking reconciliation, and He uses these moments to shape you into someone who reflects His love and grace. [19:40]

James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to apologize to today, even if it’s been years or you’re unsure how they’ll respond? What’s stopping you from taking that step?

Day 5: God’s Forgiveness Is Limitless and Transformative

God’s forgiveness is extravagant and complete—He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. When you experience and extend forgiveness, you come to understand more deeply the sacrificial love of God. Jesus demonstrated ultimate forgiveness on the cross, inviting us to remember His sacrifice and to follow His example in our relationships. No matter how broken things may seem, God’s promise is that His grace is more than enough to cover every hurt and every failure. [28:40]

Psalm 103:10-13 (ESV)
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Reflection: How does knowing the depth of God’s forgiveness for you change the way you approach forgiving others and yourself today?

Sermon Summary

Brokenness is something we all experience, especially in our relationships. While we often try to avoid or hide from brokenness, God can use it to draw us closer to Him and to each other. Just as a house that needs repair teaches us new skills, broken relationships can teach us the skills of forgiveness and repentance. The reality is, in a world full of imperfect people, we are bound to hurt one another—sometimes unintentionally, sometimes deeply. The closer the relationship, the deeper the pain when things go wrong. Like strong tape pulling paint off a wall, when close relationships break, both sides are affected and in need of restoration.

The story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis is a powerful example of forgiveness in the face of deep betrayal. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, yet he chose to forgive them. This act of forgiveness didn’t just free Joseph from bitterness; it opened him up to God’s purposes, allowing him to become a source of salvation for many during a time of famine. Joseph’s perspective—“what you meant for evil, God meant for good”—shows how God can redeem even the most broken situations for His greater purposes.

Forgiveness is not just a suggestion from God; it’s a command. Jesus teaches that our own experience of God’s forgiveness is tied to our willingness to forgive others. When we hold onto bitterness, it’s like carrying a scorpion in our pocket—it only hurts us. Letting go brings freedom and healing, not just for the one who is forgiven, but for the one who forgives. Sometimes, the other person may not be ready or able to accept our apology, but the act of repentance itself brings healing to our own hearts.

Every time we forgive or seek forgiveness, we get a deeper glimpse into the heart of God. God’s forgiveness is extravagant—He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate example of forgiveness, and when we remember Him through communion, we are reminded that no hurt is too great for His grace to cover. We are called to extend that same grace to others, trusting that God can bring restoration even to relationships that seem beyond repair.

Key Takeaways

1. Brokenness in relationships is inevitable, but it is also an opportunity for growth and deeper connection with God. When we experience pain in close relationships, both parties are affected and in need of healing. God uses these moments to teach us the skills of forgiveness and repentance, drawing us closer to His heart. [06:44]
2. Forgiveness is a choice that brings freedom. Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers allowed him to move beyond bitterness and step into the purposes God had for him. When we let go of resentment, we open ourselves to God’s healing and to the possibility of being used for something greater than ourselves. [11:55]
3. Our willingness to forgive is directly connected to our experience of God’s forgiveness. Jesus makes it clear that forgiving others is not optional; it is essential for our own spiritual health. Holding onto anger and bitterness is like carrying a scorpion—it only continues to wound us until we let it go. [15:00]
4. Repentance—asking for forgiveness—is just as important as granting it. Even when the other person cannot or will not accept our apology, the act of repentance brings healing to our own soul. God honors the humility it takes to admit our wrongs, and He uses it to restore us from the inside out. [16:24]
5. Every act of forgiveness and repentance gives us a deeper understanding of God’s sacrificial love. God does not treat us as our sins deserve, but shows us compassion and removes our transgressions. As we practice forgiveness, we come to know more fully the heart of Christ, who gave everything to reconcile us to Himself. [34:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:37] - Brokenness as Opportunity
[02:49] - Relationships and the Power of Forgiveness
[04:37] - The Inevitability of Hurting Each Other
[06:44] - Demonstration: The Pain of Broken Relationships
[08:46] - Joseph’s Story: Betrayal and Forgiveness
[11:55] - Joseph’s Freedom Through Forgiveness
[13:57] - God’s Redemption of Brokenness
[15:00] - Forgiveness Brings Freedom
[16:24] - Testimony: Forgiveness in Real Life
[18:30] - The Challenge of Repentance
[21:00] - Healing Through Apology
[24:00] - Understanding God’s Forgiveness
[28:00] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[34:45] - Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 50:15-21 (ESV) — > 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.”
> 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died:
> 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.
> 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
> 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
> 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.
> 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV) — > 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
> 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Psalm 103:10-13 (ESV) — > 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
> 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
> 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
> 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Observation Questions

In the story of Joseph, what was his response to his brothers when they feared he would seek revenge after their father died? (Genesis 50:19-21)
According to Ephesians 4:31-32, what are the attitudes and actions Paul tells believers to put away, and what should replace them?
How does Psalm 103 describe the way God deals with our sins and failures?
In the sermon, what illustration was used to show how the closeness of a relationship can make the pain of brokenness even deeper? [06:44]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Joseph was able to forgive his brothers after such a deep betrayal? What does his statement, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good,” reveal about his perspective on suffering and forgiveness? (Genesis 50:20) [13:57]
Paul says to “put away” bitterness, anger, and malice. What might it look like in real life to “put away” these feelings instead of just hiding them? [15:00]
The sermon compared holding onto bitterness to carrying a scorpion in your pocket. Why is it so tempting to hold onto hurt, and what are the consequences of doing so? [15:00]
The sermon mentioned that sometimes the other person may not accept our apology or may not even be around to hear it. Why is repentance (asking for forgiveness) still important for our own healing? [16:24]

Application Questions

Think of a relationship in your life that has experienced brokenness. What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness or repentance in that relationship this week? [34:45]
The sermon said, “Forgiveness is not just a suggestion from God; it’s a command.” Is there someone you are struggling to forgive right now? What is holding you back, and what would it take to begin letting go? [15:00]
When was the last time you asked someone for forgiveness for something you did or said? How did it feel, and what was the outcome? If you haven’t done this in a while, is there someone you need to approach? [16:24]
The story of Joseph shows that God can use even the most painful situations for good. Can you think of a time when God brought something good out of a broken relationship or a painful experience in your life? [13:57]
The sermon used the image of strong tape pulling paint off a wall to show how both sides are affected when a close relationship breaks. How have you seen this play out in your own life? What steps could you take to seek healing for both sides? [06:44]
Psalm 103 says God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” How does remembering God’s forgiveness toward you help you extend forgiveness to others? [24:00]
The sermon encouraged us to listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting when it comes to forgiveness and repentance. How can you be more attentive to God’s nudges in your relationships this week? [16:24]

Sermon Clips

Our hope in this series is to demonstrate to each other, to ourselves, and to hear from God that sometimes, in fact, most times in our life, broken is better. What does that mean? How can broken things be better? We don't like when things break, right? It's not fun. It causes us work. It causes us trouble a lot of times. But here's the reality. When things are broken, they need to be fixed. And while broken things are bad, fixing is good. And in terms of God, because our world is broken, he can use that brokenness to build our relationship with him, to pull him down. [00:01:17] (36 seconds) #BrokennessBuildsFaith

If Joseph was taken away, if he was carrying this bitterness, and all he could do was my brothers, these guys, if he was not forgiving them, I don't think he would be open to letting God use him for all that he did. While it doesn't say in this part of the story specifically, therefore, Joseph forgave his brothers, we see by what's happening, and we will see by his later actions that he did. And that's key. That's really important. [00:11:36] (31 seconds) #ForgivenessOpensDoors

The fact that Joseph was able to forgive his brothers for what they did allowed him to be open to God using him, such that everything caused all that he did to succeed by his hands. He was open to God. He had forgiven his brothers. [00:12:07] (15 seconds) #ForgivenessUnlocksPurpose

It would have been very easy for him, when his brothers first came to him, he sees these ten guys coming in the room. Any one of us would have been like, ah, well, well, well. Look who's here, right? I mean, come on. You're like, oh, now who's in charge? Oh, you sold me to Egyptian slave masters? Guess what I'm about to do? Oh, you see that pyramid that needs finishing? That's your job. Like, that is literally what he had the power and, honestly, probably the human inclination to do. Was to get that vengeance on his brothers in that moment. Here they are. They need him. They didn't know it was him, but they needed him. Any one of us would have been, oh, you know, that's a classic part in the movie. We're like, reveal the mask, and it's like, oh, it's our brother. You know, like, but he didn't do that. He said, look at his perspective. What you meant for evil, God meant for good. [00:13:57] (63 seconds) #ChoosingGraceOverVengeance

God takes broken things, broken relationships, broken circumstances, and turns them around. Not just for God's good, as he draws people closer in relationship, but for good. But in this case, there were hundreds of thousands, tens of thousands at least, people saved from famine because Joseph was there to interpret the dream. God used the situation for good, and his brothers saw it. But Joseph's choice to forgive gave him freedom. It gave him the freedom to lead Egypt in that moment and not be focused on bitterness about his brothers. [00:15:00] (34 seconds) #GodTurnsBrokenToGood

Paul doesn't say, take all that anger and wrath and malice and put it away. Like, put it in your pocket. He says, put it away from you. Gone. You need to get rid of it. Like, I don't, I have a knife I carry around in my pocket. It's a useful tool. Like, I keep it, I want to keep that with me. If I had a scorpion, I would not keep it in my pocket, constantly stinging me. I would be like, get away from me. Hurt and pain and bitterness is like, it's a scorpion. It's, you're carrying it around and it's stinging you. And we have to stop it. We have to get, put it away from us. [00:16:13] (37 seconds) #CastBitternessAway

I remember once in high school I was a senior and he was a freshman and we can we kind of had this back and forth prank war going on I took it way too far I I won't tell you what I did but I brought something of his to school and I put it in the lunchroom and it was really mean and hurtful it was thinking back I'm kind of disgusted at myself that I did that um and you know he got mad and it was a whole thing years went by years like I don't know 10 years at least and he and I were talking in one day and it just came to mind and I just said I didn't even realize I was carrying that with me and we were in a good place relation I said hey do you remember what I did to you in high school he didn't even remember he's like I don't know what you're talking about I'm like that time this night he's like oh yeah and I just looked him in the eye and I said I'm so sorry that was really mean I'm getting emotional like I was so mean to you I needed to say those words to him like I felt freedom from that I was carrying it for years he didn't even care or know he had forgiven me a long time ago so forgive one another repent to one another it is important. [00:28:28] (62 seconds) #FreedomInConfession

Jesus took sacrifice and forgiveness to a whole different level God himself comes in flesh lives amongst us already that being a sacrifice to leave the comforts of heaven to live here so he could understand so he could better understand and live with us and teach us directly and then to be rejected basically by the ones he came to save by the ones he came to lead and teach and to the and to know that this is a plan and to say to himself that's okay this is exactly what has to happen for this broken world to understand I'm about to give you the ultimate example of sacrifice and forgiveness you need this so that you can turn around and do the same thing to one another. [00:33:05] (47 seconds) #UltimateSacrificeExample

I started near the beginning of this message saying that I could promise you that I'm going to hurt you we can promise we're going to hurt one another the good news the gospel the good news of Jesus is that there's another promise that counteracts and smashes that one it's the promise that Jesus made that no amount of hurt no amount of pain that we could cause each other no amount of pain that we would that we would put in God's direction is enough to out to outweigh to outlast the blood of Jesus and the promise that he made his his death his sacrifice is sufficient is more than enough to cover anything that we can do. [00:34:50] (39 seconds) #JesusOvercomesAllHurt

If Joseph could be sold into slavery by his brothers and turn around and provide for them and forgive them then we too can forgive our brothers and sisters who hurt us and God give us the courage to say I'm sorry give us the courage to turn to anyone we've offended and ask for forgiveness it frees us it gives us peace and healing and it gives them an opportunity to experience that same from then and from their end it repairs the relationship help us to do this in Jesus name. [00:36:19] (32 seconds) #CourageToForgiveAndRepent

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