Moving Forward - 23 February 2025

SUNDAY, February 23, 7 Epiphany

Genesis 45:8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 

Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. Success in reconciliation requires not only forgiveness being offered and received but also a fundamental change in a relationship, either through setting boundaries and/or acknowledging the wrongs that sent the relationship off the rails in the first place. It also doesn’t hurt to add real resolve that those wrongs are not repeated.

In this passage from Genesis, Joseph overhears the remorse of his brothers over their treatment of him and sees how they protect the youngest, Benjamin. And his heart is broken open with compassion. He reframes their horrific past, speaking in terms of God’s provision for their future rather than what they did to him.

On my very best days, it’s a struggle to rise to that level of spiritual maturity, but this story gives me hope. What God does in Joseph, God can do for all of us.

MOVING FORWARD: Where do you need to seek reconciliation?

PRAY for the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil

Ps 37:1-12,41-42| Genesis 45:3-11,15 | 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50 | Luke 6:27-38

(Source: Forward Day By Day Movement)