Joseph´s Understanding and Forgiveness
Gen 50:15-21
15 When Joseph´s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"
16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died:
17 ´This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.´ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, "Don´t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
21 So then, don´t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
(NIV)
He is Forgiving and Good
Ps 86:5
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
(NIV)
Forgive, and You´ll be Forgiven
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
(NIV)
How Many Times Do I Have to Forgive??
Matt 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
(NIV)
Jesus Forgave Even At The Cross
Luke 23:34
34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
(NIV)
Rebuke and Forgive
Luke 17:3-4
3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ´I repent,´ forgive him."
(NIV)
If We Confess, He is Faithful to Forgive
I Jn 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(NIV)
