It’s important to pay attention to the reason Joseph gave his brothers for not being grieved or angry with them – the basis of the forgiveness he extended toward them. It was not because of the changes he saw in their behavior. Yes, Joseph was testing them to discern if they had changed, but the forgiveness he extended to them was based on something else. It was based on his understanding of what God had done (vv. 5–8). Joseph was able to see his situation from God’s perspective, to realize God was the One who was at work behind the sins of his brothers. That is why he forgave, and why we should forgive as well.

Our forgiveness can sometimes look more like the world’s (conditional) forgiveness than God’s. We might be willing to forgive if the person who wronged us is contrite or at least apologizes. Sometimes, we want him or her to make restitution as well; and then we will forgive. But God calls on us to forgive in light of the Gospel – in light of the forgiveness we have received in Christ.

• Do you need to extend forgiveness to someone? What step will you take to do that?