Lucy Magnum was boogie boarding in the ocean when a shark sank its teeth into her leg. Her parents acted quickly to save her leg by applying pressure to it until paramedics arrived. Later, Lucy understandably said, “I hate sharks.” Her parents gently replied that the shark had simply acted instinctively. Lucy then responded with grace: “I don’t care that the shark bit me. I forgive him.”
Like Lucy, Joseph had been bitten—not by a shark, but by his brothers. Would he forgive them or seek revenge? Joseph’s brothers, thinking that he might retaliate for their evil offenses against him in the past (Genesis 37:18-28), pleaded for forgiveness (Genesis 50:17). Joseph wept, and then reassured them that all that happened was part of God’s divine plan to save many people (Genesis 50:19-20, Genesis 45:5-9). He also recognized that he was not in the place of God to act as judge. Therefore, he had no interest in or right to enact revenge against his brothers. Though he didn’t say the actual words, Joseph demonstrated the fruit of forgiveness as he spoke kindly to his brothers and promised to provide for them.
Sometimes people will snap at us with their words and actions. But we’re not to judge them, rejoice over their fall or demise (Proverbs 24:17), or seek revenge (Romans 12:19). We’re commanded to pursue true forgiveness without limits as a principle of life (Luke 6:37, 17:3-4). A practical way to live out the principle of forgiveness is to meet the physical needs of those who hurt us (Proverbs 25:21-22).
Recognizing how much God has forgiven us, He prepares us to forgive others and to give them good things.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 9:1-17
More:
Read the account of Stephen in Acts 7:54-60 and see his example of a forgiving heart.
Next:
What wounds do you carry from an attack of bitter words or actions? What are some practical things you can do to respond like Joseph and Stephen when you’re “bit”?
ehdlive on January 7, 2014 at 2:21 am
If Lucy could afford to forgive a shark, there’s no reason for us not to forgive a brother created in the image of God. In the first place, we sometimes act like that brother who offends somebody else.
Marvin Williams on January 7, 2014 at 9:25 am
Ehdlive, you are spot on. I think forgiving is part what it means to be human. When I am an image bearer, I recognize I have a responsibility to other image bearers. Thank you for adding your voice here.
judithanne on January 7, 2014 at 8:28 am
I have been bitten many times and still am by people. I had one momentous ‘bite’ a few years ago and I have found it hard to forgive but have done so out of obedience and God has worked it into my heart. After confronting the other person and not being received by them, I have had to decide just what kind of ‘relationship’ I will now have with them. My suggestion to Lucy would be to not swim in shark infested waters. I try to do the same!
Marvin Williams on January 7, 2014 at 9:31 am
Judithanne, I know this story all too well. I have been bitten by many sharks and have the scars to prove it. Just as you have done, I have forgiven from a place of obedience, not because I felt like it. The funny thing is, when I obeyed, the feelings of forgiveness followed. No, there weren’t fuzzy feelings and the relationship, many times, did not return to its former glory, but I had the feeling that I had please God. Forgiveness is immediate, but reconciliation takes time, so much time. Also, we don’t have to feel guilty if the relationship does not return to its former state. Thanks for listening to my rumblings here. Thanks for adding your voice here.
judithanne on January 7, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Marvin…………..good to know I’m not alone! I agree that forgiveness can be immediate and is absolutely mandatory but reconciliation can take time and may never be there. It is wonderful that we can maintain the unity in our OWN heart with another person……even though they may not do the same with us. I also like the little saying, ‘To err is human, to forgive is divine.’ I have come to understand that forgiveness is a ‘gift’ that God gives me through His working in my life. In and of myself I am unable to forgive anyone as my old nature cannot produce that kind of godly fruit.