Pastor Ron’s Blog

Forgive and Forget

One of the great stories in the Old Testament about forgiveness is the story of Joseph. Here was a man who was able to forgive his brothers who were bent on destroying his very life.

Joseph not only forgave his brothers but he forgot the evil deeds they had committed against him. Notice what Joseph named his first born son in Genesis 41:51: “Joseph named his first born Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The record goes on to say in verse 52, “The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

The New Testament example and the example for all ages is that of Jesus Christ. When enemies turned against our Lord His response was simply, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34)

How important that Christians reflect a spirit of forgiveness. If Jesus can forgive us who are we to think that we cannot forgive others.

An innovative psychologist said that he considers only one kind of counselee relatively hopeless; that person who blames other people for his or her problems. He says if you can own the mess you in, there is hope for you and help available. As long as you blame others, you will be victim for the rest of your life.”

May the biblical illustrations of Joseph and Jesus motivate each of us to never get into the “blame game” but to daily keep a right relationship with God and others. After all that is just keeping the Great Commandment to love God and others.