Daily Thought For November 23, 2019

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We Can Be Set Free

The story of Joseph and his brothers highlights so many of the sins that end up wounding our relationships: pride, envy, resentment, and deception, to name a few. His story also tells us that no matter how deeply we have been hurt, our heavenly Father wants to help us. He wants to heal our broken hearts and free us from attitudes of resentment, cynicism, or mistrust.

 No matter who we are, we have all been wounded through relationships. We have all been hurt or treated unjustly. Some of these wounds may be quite deep, while others may be more superficial. But whatever our situations, we can learn from Joseph. He kept his eyes fixed on God, and God helped him forgive his brothers and bring reconciliation to his family.
At the start of his ministry, Jesus told the people that God had sent him “to bring glad tidings to the poor . . . to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18). Surely we can apply these promises to our relationships. Surely we can take some steps toward healing our memories, to seek reconciliation, and to find freedom. It may take time. In some instances, it may take a lifetime. But God will be with us through it all, helping us to forgive and not lose hope. As God blessed Joseph, he will surely bless us.

 from The Word Among Us "Healing Our Relationships
Insights from the Story of Joseph and His Brothers" July/August 2011 edition

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