Sermon Homework: July 28, 2019
Joseph’s story of forgiveness that we find in Genesis is a powerful example of how Joseph reframed his story. After years he was able to forgive his brothers for their horrible actions. We see how Joseph has let go of his anger and resentment and is reconciled. Forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation and sometimes reconciliation is not healthy. Is there someone in your life God is stirring you to forgive? Joseph did not forget what his brothers did and forgiveness does not mean you forget, it is about letting go of your anger and resentment and being on the path to peace.
Dr. Tibbits in his book “Forgive to Live” lays out three phases of forgiveness- phase 1 How I handle the memories of painful things said and done to me in the past. Phase 2 How I overcome the negative emotions I feel right now and Phase 3 How I free myself from a hurtful past to achieve my desired future. Where are you on the phases of forgiveness? How can you work through the phases?