It had been 22 years since Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. Tears were the introduction to his reunion with his brothers, tears that swelled so high that he could no longer contain. These were tears of tenderness and strong affection. 

This scenario marked the beginning of a new season for Joseph and his brothers.

Reconciliation was accomplished with much emotion. Instead of being embittered by the injustice done by his brothers in his youth, Joseph chose love over hurt, forgiveness over strife. He chose to hold no grudges towards his brothers. Joseph chose to be a vessel for God's Glory, rebuilding the brokenness in his family. 

Joseph’s story highlights the proper attitude toward difficulty and misfortune. Upon discovering Joseph’s identity, his brothers were sure he would utilize his imperial powers to exact revenge against them for their evil conduct. However, the sentiments expressed by Joseph were quite the opposite. Joseph recognized that all the hardships he had undergone were ordained by God to ensure the survival of many nations. Keeping this in mind enabled him to forgive his brothers and repay animosity with benevolence evidencing the marks of a man who understood his assignment in life, one who understood that all his suffering was not in vain. Joseph had grown from a boy that was misunderstood by his siblings, to a mature man, demonstrating the ability to retain his integrity despite the hardships endured.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You so much for showing me that life is not always easy. I praise You for teaching me the lesson of forgiveness, showing me to be strong and face my challenges head on. Thank You for leading me with Your loving examples. I ask for the grace of forgiveness, the grace of putting behind past hurts that have burdened my heart and have not let me move on. Thank You for drying my tears and mending the brokenness in me. I ask that You guide me in making the right choices in life, to value the lessons learned in my youth that have made me the person I am today. Help me to love, honor and cherish the people You have put in my life. To be a vessel of light and good. To demonstrate to the world and to myself that I have survived and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made; and Your works are wonderful in me. Thank You for loving me in my worst and thank You for loving me at my best. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This is one of the most profound lessons that we can learn from this story; Many evils are inflicted in this world, but God has set a plan in motion that will turn evil into good. “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Despite everything he went through, Joseph’s suffering turned out for good. He did not allow his experiences to lead him away, Joseph knew deep down inside that it was better to forgive than to hold on to anger, bitterness, and sorrow. This is an example we can emulate in our own life.

My question today, what do you need to let go off? Who have you not been able to forgive?

It's time to let go of the past, learn to forgive, and move forward, understanding that God uses our hurt, pain, and sorrow, to mold us into the people we are destined to be for His Glory.