Finding Forgiveness Part 2: The Conversation Genesis 45:3-4 Jan. 14, 2024 Decision #1: When I have been betrayed, I can choose to allow myself to grieve. (Genesis 45:1-2) 1 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Decision #2: When I have been betrayed, I can choose to have an honest and healing conversation. (Genesis 45:3-4) ³ And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. ROUTE #1: Walk the same road as Joseph. Conversation with the people who betrayed him. Observations About Joseph’s Healing Conversation: 1. Joseph initiated the conversation. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph!” 2. Joseph asked his offenders to come near. Come near to me, please. 3. Joseph was honest about what brought them to this point. I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. ROUTE #2: This is the road we walk down when we cannot or should not have a conversation with the person who betrayed you. A Healing Choice: Maybe it is time for me to talk about my betrayal with someone God has put in my life. (Galatians 6:2) Bear one another’s burdens.
Facts About Your Healing: 1. God is faithful when people are not. (2 Timothy 2:13) If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2. Even if I have suffered great betrayal I can be healed. (Jeremiah 17:14) O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! 3. God did not design me to find healing on my own. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 4. I need interdependence not independence. (Ephesians 3:20) God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.