Embracing Forgiveness: Lessons from Joseph's Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Forgiveness Is Central to Following Jesus

Forgiveness is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is at the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Jesus made forgiveness a central petition in the Lord’s Prayer, and He emphasized its importance by stating that our own forgiveness from God is connected to our willingness to forgive others. This is not just a spiritual suggestion but a foundational command, repeated throughout the Gospels and the letters of Paul. As you meditate on these words, let them challenge you to consider the seriousness with which Jesus calls us to forgive, and ask God to reveal any areas where you are holding back forgiveness. [19:30]

Matthew 6:9-15 (NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Reflection: Who is one person you sense God prompting you to forgive today, even if you don’t feel ready—can you begin by simply praying for them by name?

Day 2: God’s Plans for You Cannot Be Derailed by Human Evil

No matter what others have done to you, or what injustices you have suffered, God’s promises and plans for your life cannot be ultimately derailed. Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that even when people intend harm, God is still at work, weaving His purposes through every detour and delay. The pain and betrayal Joseph experienced did not cancel God’s calling on his life; instead, God used even those hardships to bring about His greater plan. Trust that nothing done against you can stop what God has purposed for you. [46:43]

Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Reflection: What is one disappointment or injustice in your life that you have believed could derail God’s plan for you? How might you begin to trust God with that area today?

Day 3: God Is With You Even in the Midst of Hurt and Injustice

Experiencing evil, hurt, or injustice does not mean that God has abandoned you. The story of Joseph repeatedly affirms that “the Lord was with Joseph” even as he was betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused, and forgotten. God’s presence does not always shield us from pain, but He is with us in the midst of it, working for our good. When you are tempted to interpret your suffering as God’s absence or rejection, remember that His presence is steadfast, even in the darkest moments. [47:39]

Genesis 39:20-21 (NIV)
“Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

Reflection: Can you recall a painful season where, looking back, you can now see signs of God’s presence or kindness? How might you invite God to show you where He is with you in your current struggles?

Day 4: Be Honest About Your Pain and Allow Yourself to Weep

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that the hurt never happened or minimizing the pain. It is healthy and necessary to be honest about the injustice you have experienced and to allow yourself to grieve. Joseph named the wrongs done to him and wept—sometimes privately, sometimes with others. Weeping, whether through tears, journaling, or prayer, is a way to process pain in a non-toxic way, making space for God’s healing. Don’t rush past your pain; bring it honestly before God, trusting that He can handle your deepest wounds. [57:00]

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Reflection: What is one hurt you have tried to minimize or ignore? How can you honestly name it before God today, and allow yourself to grieve in His presence?

Day 5: Empathize with Those Who Hurt You—Imagine Their Story

A surprising step toward forgiveness is to try to see the situation from the perspective of the one who hurt you—not to excuse their actions, but to understand that hurt people often hurt others. Joseph, overhearing his brothers’ remorse, was moved to weep not only for his own pain but also for theirs. Sometimes, imagining what the other person may have experienced or wished they had done differently can soften your heart and prepare you to forgive. Ask God to help you see them as He does, and to extend the same grace you have received. [01:02:09]

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Reflection: Is there someone who has hurt you whose story or struggles you have never considered? What might change in your heart if you asked God to help you see them with compassion today?

Sermon Summary

Forgiveness is not an optional part of following Jesus; it is central to the life of every believer. The call to forgive is woven throughout Scripture, from the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer to the teachings of Paul, and it is modeled in the life of Joseph. Joseph’s story, spanning Genesis 37-50, is the first detailed biblical account of forgiveness, and it provides a foundation for understanding how to move toward a heart that is ready to forgive.

Joseph’s journey began with a God-given dream at age 17, only to be betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. Yet, through every injustice, Scripture repeatedly affirms, “the Lord was with Joseph.” This truth challenges the assumption that suffering or betrayal means God has abandoned us. Instead, God’s presence is often most profound in our seasons of pain and waiting.

God’s promises and plans for our lives may be delayed, but they cannot be derailed by the evil or failures of others. Joseph’s dream was fulfilled 20 years after it was given, demonstrating that no human action can ultimately thwart God’s purposes. In the meantime, Joseph honored God with who he was and what he had, using his gifts to serve others even in the midst of his own suffering.

Forgiveness begins with honesty—naming the hurt and injustice we have experienced. Pretending it didn’t happen is not forgiveness; it is only by acknowledging the depth of our pain that we can bring it to Jesus, who paid for all sin, both ours and those who have sinned against us. Weeping, in whatever form it takes, is a healthy and necessary part of this process. It allows us to process pain in a way that is non-toxic and does not perpetuate further harm.

Finally, moving toward forgiveness sometimes involves imagining the perspective of those who have hurt us—not to excuse their actions, but to cultivate empathy and recognize the complexity of human brokenness. This practice can prepare our hearts to forgive, even when reconciliation seems impossible.

As we meditate on Colossians 3 and the story of Joseph, may the Holy Spirit guide us through the discomfort and into the healing and freedom that forgiveness brings.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s plans for your life cannot be ultimately derailed by the evil or failures of others. Even when circumstances seem to have taken you far from your calling or dreams, God’s purposes remain intact. Joseph’s story is a testament to the faithfulness of God, who brings His promises to fulfillment in His timing, not ours. Trust that detours do not mean defeat. [46:43]
2. The presence of suffering or injustice does not mean God is absent or against you. Joseph experienced betrayal, false accusation, and abandonment, yet “the Lord was with him” at every stage. Hold in tension the reality that God can be for you and with you, even when life is deeply painful or unfair. This truth is foundational for moving toward forgiveness. [47:39]
3. Honoring God in the present—using your gifts and serving others even while you wait for resolution—is an act of faith. Joseph did not wait for his circumstances to improve before he acted with integrity and compassion. Faithfulness in the waiting seasons shapes your character and prepares your heart for the work of forgiveness. [49:33]
4. Forgiveness requires honesty about the pain and injustice you have experienced. Naming your hurt is not a lack of faith; it is the first step toward healing. Only by acknowledging the reality of your wounds can you bring them to Jesus, who alone can bear the weight of sin and bring true freedom. [58:22]
5. Empathy for those who have hurt you can be a powerful step toward forgiveness. Imagining their perspective, their regrets, or their own brokenness does not excuse their actions, but it can soften your heart and open the door to grace. Sometimes, the letters never sent or the words never spoken reveal a depth of pain and humanity that helps us move forward. [66:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Update on Last Week and Prayer Vigil
[04:30] - Story from Texas and God’s Unexpected Provision
[10:15] - Introduction to Forgiveness Series
[13:00] - The Lord’s Prayer and Forgiveness
[18:40] - Forgiveness in the Teachings of Jesus and Paul
[22:30] - Joseph: The First Model of Forgiveness
[28:26] - Wrestling with the Text and Personal Experience
[32:00] - Joseph’s Story: Betrayal and Injustice
[41:48] - The Lord Was With Joseph
[45:30] - God’s Plans Cannot Be Derailed
[49:33] - Honoring God in the Waiting
[54:09] - Joseph’s Dream Fulfilled
[57:00] - Naming the Hurt and Weeping
[66:04] - Empathy and the Letters Never Sent
[68:47] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond
[81:59] - Reflections on Charlie Kirk and Our Response
[87:18] - Final Blessing and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) — > Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Genesis 37–50 (selected passages) — > (The story of Joseph: his dreams, betrayal by his brothers, slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, and eventual rise to power in Egypt.)

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (NIV) — > And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors... For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Observation Questions

In Colossians 3:12-13, what qualities does Paul say we should “clothe” ourselves with, and how are these connected to forgiveness?
According to the sermon, what phrase is repeated several times in Joseph’s story, even during his suffering? ([41:48])
In Matthew 6:14-15, what does Jesus say is the result of forgiving or not forgiving others?
How long did it take for Joseph’s original dream to be fulfilled, and what does this tell us about God’s timing? ([46:43])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul links forgiveness so closely with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in Colossians 3? How might these qualities help someone move toward forgiveness?
The sermon points out that “the Lord was with Joseph” even when he was betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned. What does this suggest about God’s presence in our own times of pain or injustice? ([47:39])
The Lord’s Prayer and Jesus’ follow-up words in Matthew 6 make forgiveness sound non-negotiable for followers of Jesus. Why do you think Jesus makes forgiveness so central to the Christian life?
The sermon says that Joseph’s story is the first detailed biblical model of forgiveness. What aspects of Joseph’s journey prepared his heart to forgive, even before reconciliation was possible? ([49:33])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to name people we might need to forgive, whether they are alive or have passed away, close or distant. Is there someone in your life—past or present—who comes to mind? What would it look like to begin the process of forgiveness, even if reconciliation isn’t possible? ([13:00])
Joseph’s story shows that God’s plans for us can be delayed but not derailed by the actions of others. Have you ever felt like someone else’s choices or sin “ruined” God’s plan for your life? How does Joseph’s story challenge or encourage you in that area? ([46:43])
The sermon emphasizes that suffering or injustice does not mean God is absent. When have you felt abandoned by God in a painful season? Looking back, can you see any evidence that “the Lord was with you” even then? ([47:39])
Joseph honored God by using his gifts and serving others, even while he was waiting for resolution. Is there a way you can serve or use your gifts right now, even if your circumstances are not what you hoped for? ([49:33])
Forgiveness begins with honesty—naming the hurt and allowing yourself to “weep” or process the pain. What would it look like for you to be honest about a wound you’ve experienced? Is there a safe person or way (journaling, prayer, conversation) you could do this? ([58:22])
The sermon suggests that imagining the perspective or brokenness of those who hurt us can help soften our hearts. Is there someone you need to try to see with empathy—not to excuse their actions, but to understand their humanity? How might this change your attitude toward forgiveness? ([01:06:04])
The pastor shared about finding an unsent letter from his father, which gave him new perspective. Is there a “letter never sent” in your own story—something you wish you could say or hear from someone who hurt you? How might bringing this to God in prayer help you move toward healing? ([01:04:53])

Sermon Clips

Joseph was using the God given gift he had, even despite his own pain. He was coming alongside the cupbearer, the baker. Hey, why are you dejected? Let me use my gift to try to bring a clarity for you. [00:50:11] (15 seconds) #UseYourGiftNow

What people have done against me, it's not going to derail God's plan for me. That doesn't mean because this happened that God bailed on me. And I'm going to use who I am right now, what I have right now, while I wait for that other thing to happen. [00:50:50] (18 seconds) #FaithInTheWaiting

It's healthy to be honest about and to name the hurt and injustice you have experienced. It's not forgiveness to pretend it didn't happen. We have this tendency to just know kind of ultimately where God wants us to get, that this is not holding us back from a relationship. It's not harming us anymore. And so we kind of think that if I pretend it's not there. No, no, Joseph named it. Joseph didn't tell everyone, but he told someone. He told the cup bearer. He said, when you go, tell them, tell this to the king and tell him that, that I was unjustly sold as a slave, unjustly. I've been put in prison. He wants to name, there's been injustice, not like, well, listen, it just happens. [00:57:08] (51 seconds) #NameTheHurt

When we're talking about forgiveness and the power of forgiveness, we're talking about being able to seek forgiveness for something that is sin. That ultimately, that what we're going to say is the way we're empowered to forgive is, is that Jesus paid for all sin. He paid for your sin and he paid for the one who sinned against you. [00:58:22] (23 seconds) #JesusPaidItAll

It's healthy to weep. It's healthy to weep. Now, I'm not saying that you have to necessarily weep through tears. Maybe you weep in a different way. But by weeping here, it's a way to express your pain in a way that's non -toxic. It doesn't create more pain. See, sometimes we think, I'll just kind of stuff this down. I'm a master of this. I stuff it down thinking, you know what, I'm going to just show that I can just overlook this. It's not a problem. And it's all good until it's not good. And then I end up doing something, saying something that actually makes it worse. So how can you weep, feel it, feel the pain, talk to God about the pain, and yet not do something, not react to it in a way that's actually going to exasperate the pain for you and for others? [00:59:16] (66 seconds) #HealthyWeeping

What if you could read letters that were never sent? What if you could be a Joseph who could be a fly on the wall and, and hear the pain, hear a perspective? I know this doesn't apply in every situation, but I'm saying to you, there is something even about the possibility of what could be going on. The truth is, I, I, I pretty much could have written the letter myself. I, I know my dad, I know what happened in the service. I could have probably written the letter myself. So actually in a sense, I was practicing that, but what if. there are those situations where you're just going, I don't know how I can move forward. What if you can just allow yourself to imagine maybe their perspective, their own hurt, hurt people hurt people, their own stuff, and even what they maybe wish they had done in retrospect but didn't have the courage to do. [01:05:34] (73 seconds) #ImagineTheirPain

There are those situations where you're just going, I don't know how I can move forward. What if you can just allow yourself to imagine maybe their perspective, their own hurt, hurt people hurt people, their own stuff, and even what they maybe wish they had done in retrospect but didn't have the courage to do. [01:06:17] (31 seconds) #HurtPeopleHurtPeople

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Transcript

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