“So Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come near to me, please.’ And they came near. And he said, ‘I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 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.’ ” Genesis 45:4-8.

“His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:18-21.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

I am always amazed at the exemplary attitude of Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife being thrown in jail, but at every turn he avoided growing bitter and instead trusted God and thrived. God remained with him, blessed him, and showed him steadfast love throughout (39:21). He became the head of Potiphar’s household, was put in charge of all the prisoners while in jail and eventually became second only to Pharaoh in Egypt. Joseph understood that God had sent him to Egypt for good, even through the evil deeds of others, and indeed he was able to save Egypt and his people from famine. Further, he glorified God by forgiving his brothers and showing love to them who had treated him wrongly.

Romans assures us that, as Believers, we also have the promise of everything working together for good for us, even bad things will work out for good for us in the end. God is in control of all that happens. He is sovereign over all! Knowing this we are free, like Joseph, to forgive those that mistreat us as we know that their evil intent will be thwarted by God.