Finding Forgiveness Part 1: Good Grief Genesis 45:1-2 Jan. 7, 2024 (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. God will never betray you. (Psalm 89:33-34) But I will not remove my loyal love from him, nor be unfaithful to my promise. I will not break my covenant or go back on what I promised. Betrayal will increase in the last days. (Matthew 24:10) And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. Being betrayed is real. (Psalm 41:9) Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who shared meals with me, has turned against me. Life is too short to let unforgiveness ruin your life. (James 4:14) You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Betrayal Decision #1: When I have been betrayed, I can choose to allow myself to grieve. Four Facts About Grief: 1. Grief is universal in a broken world. (Ecclesiastes 3:4) “[There is] a time to weep and a time to laugh…” 2. Grief can be temporary. Grief maybe universal, but it is not eternal. (Psalm 30:5) Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 126:5–6) Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
3. Grief is an opportunity to be completely honest with God. David’s Example: Honesty: (Psalm 6:2) Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. Conclusion: (Psalm 6:9) The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. Jeremiah’s Example: Honesty: (Jeremiah 15:18) Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry. Conclusion: (Jeremiah 15:20-21) They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe. Asaph’s Example: Honesty: (Psalm 82:2) How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Conclusion: (Psalm 82:8) Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you. 4. Allowing yourself to grieve with others forges life-giving and healthy outcomes. (Romans 12:15) Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.