Wednesday March 17th, 2021
Memorize: Matthew 5:44
« But I, Jesus, tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. »
Read: Genesis 42:5-11, Genesis 42:19-20, Genesis 42:24-25
Jacob’s ten sons finally arrived at the storehouse in Egypt where Joseph was selling grain. Food was scarce everywhere because of the great famine.
Joseph recognized his brothers who had sold him as a slave many years before, but his brothers didn’t recognize him. Joseph asked them about their father and he also found out about Benjamin, his youngest brother who was not with them. He told them to go back and fetch Benjamin, and had Simeon put in prison until the others returned with him. Then he filled their bags with grain and sent them on their way.
While on their way back, one of them discovered that the money they had brought to buy grain had been put back in the top of their sacks.
How should I treat someone who has hurt me?
Has someone hurt you recently and now you keep thinking of a way to get back at the person?
Our sense of fairness makes us think that we need to even the score and show the other person what it feels like to be hurt.
However, there is a far better way to handle the situation, and the Bible tells us how:
« My friends, don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong to you. Wait for God to punish them with His anger. In the Scriptures the Lord says: “I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.» (Romans 12:19).
Things had changed for Joseph. He now had the power to get back at his brothers for what they did to him.
He had a chance to get even, but instead he chose to show kindness.
What would you have done if you were Joseph? Imagine if the person who hurt you was standing before you pleading for mercy.
Now think of the many wrong things you have done in your life, all of which God has forgiven at great cost.
In the same way you have been forgiven, God wants you to forgive the person who hurt you, and with His help even show kindness like Joseph did. Read Matthew 18:23-34.
Study questions
1 – In your own words, give a summary of Matthew 18:23-34
Author: Dave Strehler
Texte edited by Naomie
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