Practicing Divine Forgiveness (Genesis 45)

Practicing Divine Forgiveness (Genesis 45)

Collin Leong.  11 December 2015

1.     Forgiveness and Reconciliation are key themes of the Bible and foundation of the Gospel.

True forgiveness is often misunderstood and even less practiced even among Christians. Understanding true biblical forgiveness is crucial as it is a core theme of the Gospel and the whole Bible. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” - 2 Cor 5:18-19; Col 1:22-23

Accurate understanding helps us to appreciate Christ's work on the cross for us, and enables us to forgive others in the way Christ wants us to.

To understand forgiveness we must also put repentance and reconciliation in its proper perspective

2.      Biblical Doctrine of Forgiveness + Repentance (from unbelief) = Reconciliation

2.1.   Forgiveness: Divine Forgiveness is an act of Grace and independent of the actions of the sinner  

·         Two Greek translation:

o   Aphesis – “to send away” (letting go of debt); associated with pardon of sin (Mat 26:28; Acts 2:38);

o   Charizomai - “to bestow a favor” or “show kindness”; an act of grace towards another. (2Cor 2:7; Col 3:13)

·         Forgiveness is offered to all.  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men;  Titus 2:11; Rom 1:16;

·         Was provisioned before repentance.  “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom5:6-8

·         Cannot be earned by our effort.   “it is the gift of God”  Eph2:8-9  

2.2.   Repentance: Genuine repentance (metanoia - change of mind/heart & direction) from unbelief is required to receive forgiveness.

·         Forgiveness can be rejected. People end up in hell not because forgiveness has not been offered, but because they rejected the forgiver.  “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin " Mark 3:28-30; 2Pet 3:9

·         Forgiveness is received by believing (faith).  “ having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise”  Eph 1:7,8,13; Acts 2:37,38

2.3.   Reconciliation: (katallagé - restoration of favour). The process of restoring the offender back into relationship.

·         Even after genuine repentance, the consequences of sin still remain.  “If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss”  1 Cor 3:14-15

·         Discipline, correction and on-going repentance is still necessary for the offender in the process of sanctification and restoration.  “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines”  (Hebrews 12:5-11).

·         In human terms, full restoration of relationship between the victim and offender can be long and painful even after real forgiveness and repentance. “Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” Gal 6:1  

3.      Six Reasons to exercise Divine Forgiveness

3.1.   Realize that it’s a Command and not a Choice.   

·         Forgive as you have been forgiven.  “forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions “ Mark 11:25-26

·         Not dependent on offender’s attitudes.  “ love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”  Matthew 5:43-45

·         No Limitation of times. “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven”  Mat 18:21-22  

3.2.   Releases the victim from imprisonment

·              “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering” – Jedi Master Yoda. (Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.)

·              Releases us for sincere worship.  “first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”  Mat 5: 23,24

·              Prevents Satan from taking advantage of our emotional & spiritual vulnerability.  “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan”. 2Cor 2:10-11

·              Releases our anger and animosity toward the offender. Psalm 37:8 - Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

·              Releases us from many physical ailments. “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones.” Prov 14:29-30  

3.3.   Restores the offender back to hope

·              Kindles his conscience with kindness.  “For in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” Rom 12:20-21  

·              Motivates repentance.  “the kindness of God leads you to repentance” Rom 2:4 

·              Protects him from emotional trauma. “forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow”  2Cor 2:5-11  .

3.4.   Reminds others of Christ’s sacrifice for them

·              Christ-likeness.  “just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you”  Col 3:12  

3.5.   Required for the character development of Love as part of the Divine Nature.

·         Develops the character of love.  “make every effort to add to your faith… love.”  2 Peter 2:4; 1Cor 13:1-7 

3.6.   Remember that all that happens is part of God’s greater plan.

·         God can make something good out of bad. “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” Gen 50:20; Gen 45:8; Rom 8:28

4.      The Six Attributes of Divine Forgiveness (ref: Joseph’s Examples)

4.1.  Divine Forgiveness is granted Promptly – Joseph forgave long before he met his brothers, and before knowing if they had repented.  It enabled him to continue functioning effectively as God’s servant.  (Gen 40:7, Gen 41:51, Gen 42:8-9) 

·              Quickly Forgive.  “do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Eph 4:26-27   

·              Constantly Forgive.  “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other “ Ephesians 4:31-32

·            This is not to say it is easy to overcome the hurt and forgive instantly. For most it will be a hard struggle, but looking to God, it is possible and beneficial to all parties by forgiving as early as possible.

4.2.   Divine Forgiveness is given Privately – Joseph never told Pharaoh or his servants what the brothers had done. It enabled Pharaoh to embrace Jacob’s family unreservedly. (Gen 45:1; Gen 45:16; Gen 47:5)

·         Settle it privately where possible. “ if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private” Matthew 18:15

·         Avoid damaging his reputation.  “A fool’s vexation is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor.”  Proverbs 12:16

·         Don’t burn bridges.  “He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 17:9

4.3.   Divine Forgiveness is sacrificial and bears the Price for loss or suffering – Joseph alone bore the cost of separation from his father, slavery, and imprisonment.   Joseph did not seek retribution or revenge but instead provided for his brothers.   (Gen 45:10-11)

·         Bears the price personally. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ Mat 18: 32-33

·         Seeks no retribution. “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Acts 7:59-60 

·         Joseph never went back to Canaan to "report" to the father what happened as he used to do as a teenager. Possibly, this was to prevent hurting his father and cause further disintegration of the family. Joseph has grown in spiritual maturity!

4.4.  Divine  Forgiveness demands no Payment – Joseph never sought justice or compensation from his brothers. Joseph considers it God’s will, and it is God who will pay him back or exact justice. (Gen 45:5-11)

·         No limits, no terms and conditions. “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” Mat 18:21-22

·         God is no man’s debtor. God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name. Heb 6:10 

·        Joseph did give them a taste of his suffering  -  false accusation (“spies”), short term imprisonment, threat of slavery. This was not done for revenge but as part of reconciliation with delicate compassion. It is inadvisable for us to "give a taste" to our offenders in malice.

4.5.  Divine  Forgiveness is Permanent – The brothers were worried that Joseph will avenge them after Jacob’s death. Joseph puts their anxieties to rest.  (Gen. 50:16-17)

·         Debt erased forever.  “their sin I will remember no more”  Jeremiah 31:34  

·         No fear of future retribution. “when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.” Heb 10:17-18  

4.6.   Divine Forgiveness does not overlook the sin, but leaves the Penalty in the hands of God (or authorities).  Even after the reunion, Joseph never told Jacob what the brothers did to him. He left it to them to confess and for Jacob to deal with it his own way.    (Gen 45:25-28)

·              Forgiving does not excuse sin.  Rather, it means releasing the offender to God to judge them righteously.   “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God”  Rom 12:19

·              Reconciliation cannot happen until there is willing repentance. “if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Mat 18:15-17   

·              Seek for the restoration of the offender.  “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” Gal 6:1 

5.      Personal Reflection and Group Discussion

5.1  Think of someone you have something against, whom you may or may not have truly forgiven.  Test if you forgiveness is genuine against the 6 attributes. Which ones do you find the most difficult to do? Why? 

5.2.   Which of the 6 reasons to exercise forgiveness motivates you the most in forgiving that someone? Why?

5.3.   Pray for wisdom and strength to exercise forgiveness so as to allow God to accomplish his good will in you.  “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” Gen 50:20

Recommended message on forgiveness: 

 http://www.cefc.org.sg/images/media/audio/sermon/Dec2015/3469_Why%20Must%20I%20Forgive%20-%20Edmund%20Chan.mp3