LIFE SCRIPTS

12 So Jacob’s sons did for him as he had commanded them; 13 for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, east of Mamre, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. 14 After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, and all who had gone up with him. 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph carries a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded us before he died, saying, 17 ‘You are to say to Joseph, “I beg you, please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.” ’ Now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers went and fell down before him [in confession]; then they said, “Behold, we are your servants (slaves).” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. 21 So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and support you and your little ones.” So he comforted them [giving them encouragement and hope] and spoke [with kindness] to their hearts.
Genesis 50:12‭-‬21 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.50.12-21.AMP.

Guilt is an enemy of peace. Here, Joseph’s brothers felt guilty of what they did to him. However now the fear of him was even greater because of the death of their father. Joseph however ministered to them and embraced them as brothers. There is a rich message of forgiveness Joseph is communicating here. Forgiveness and unity especially among brothers brings blessings from God (Psalm 133). Joseph even promised them and their families that he’ll look after them and that he did. Joseph’s forgiveness wasn’t just by heart. He assured them verbally that he had no grudges against them. Do we hold grudges against others? Possibly not. However, do they know that we’ve let go of any bitterness against them? This is a challenge to us.