Ready to forgive: Joseph’s story

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:15-21, particularly the moment he was reunited with his brothers after all they had done to him. This passage, which we explore in the Heart of Peacemaking training, shows the transformation that can come when forgiveness comes from the heart.

Joseph’s brothers feared that now their father had died, Joseph would finally take revenge. But Joseph wasn’t waiting for that moment. His gracious response revealed he had already forgiven them and was prepared to bless them and their descendants.

What stands out to me is how ready Joseph truly was. His brothers even tried to manipulate him, invoking their father’s name to sway him. But Joseph didn’t need convincing. He had already forgiven them.

What makes this even more remarkable is that Joseph saw his brothers scheming again – just like they had schemed together when they threw him into a well (see Genesis 37). Yet, he remained steadfast in grace. His forgiveness wasn’t conditional or delayed; it was rooted in a heart that continued to be formed by God.

This conversation likely took place as Joseph was preparing to return his father’s body to Canaan for burial. He would have had to step away from his responsibilities in Egypt and oversee a large caravan of people, families, and Egyptian officials. Even in the midst of this significant responsibility, Joseph’s heart was ready to forgive, to bless, and to protect.

He even assured his brothers that he would care for their children. In doing this, Joseph’s grace didn’t just mend a broken family; it helped preserve the families that would become the twelve tribes of Israel. It’s a reminder that God uses the way we respond to conflict and hurt to bring blessing far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Forgiveness isn’t just a choice. It’s a readiness in the heart to act in love, even when it’s hard. Like Joseph, we can trust God’s grace to equip us to bless, protect, and bring life in the midst of difficult circumstances.

This devotion was written by Stephanie Schwarz.

Steph’s vision is to see Christians equipped with a common biblical understanding for peacemaking. She believes that peacemaking skills are effective for conflict resolution and enriching community life – in churches, families and global contexts. Steph is a valued part of the PeaceWise family, serving as one of our trainers. She also works as a Psychologist in private practice and in the missions sector.