Day 32: Peacemaking Church

Daily Devotional

Genesis 50:15-21

15 “When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

One of the greatest emotional pains is probably betrayal. And the closer the person is to you, the greater the pain of betrayal. That is exactly what happened to Joseph. Because of his brothers’ jealousy, that Joseph was loved more by their father, they forcefully sold him to a slave merchant. Joseph was torn apart from his family for good and faced even more severe trials and injustice in Egypt.

And now, when Joseph, by the grace and providence of God, has risen to a powerful position in Egypt, forgives his brothers for doing such evil. How can he forgive his brothers who committed something so unspeakable? Joseph is able to forgive because he acknowledges that God ultimately works his care in all things, even through evil. In Joseph’s case, Joseph helped Egypt prepare for a famine while other nations suffered. And going even farther beyond than letting go of past wrongs, Joseph says that he himself will provide for his brothers. Though his brothers should be the ones to serve Joseph, he repays evil, not only with forgiveness, but also with practical affection.

Let us also acknowledge that God is always sovereign, even when those around us hurt us. He is able and will use such times to bring something good. And let us go the extra mile when forgiving others by serving them, for that is what our Jesus did. Not only did Jesus forgive, but he gave us access to his presence and a membership to his eternal kingdom and continues to minister to us through the Holy Spirit. So let us go and be like Christ, forgiving and serving one another.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.