WEEK THREE: GET CONNECTED! !
This Week’s Focus: FORGIVENESS
This Week’s Scripture: Genesis 50:14-21
This week, and for the next few weeks we are going to look at the character of Jesus through those in the Bible who are a type of Christ. The first character trait we will look at is the forgiveness that has been given to us as a gift through the redemption of Jesus Christ. We see this in the Bible in the life of Joseph, who although wronged by his brothers, forgave his brothers and showed us what it means to be given the gift of forgiveness.
Read: Genesis 50:14-21 (MSG) in your favorite translation. Following is from The Message Bible:
4-15 After burying his father, Joseph went back to Egypt. All his brothers who had come with him to bury his father returned with him. After the funeral, Joseph’s brothers talked among themselves: “What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?”
16-17 So they sent Joseph a message, “Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, ‘Forgive your brothers’ sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.’ Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father’s God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
18 Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, “We’ll be your slaves.”
19-21 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
QUESTIONS:
- What do you think Joseph should have done to his brothers?
- Have you ever felt as if you were treated unfairly by a family member?
- Were you able to forgive them? Why or Why not?
- Do you think any of us can forgive without the help of God? Explain.
- Do you need to forgive someone now? Can we pray about it?
PRAYER TIME: Pray for the spirit of forgiveness to bring healing to all in the family.
Please click on the link below for our FB link to our GET CONNECTED page and post how you and your family are doing with your family prayer time. We welcome all comments, suggestions, ideas, etc. May God bless and strengthen your family as you seek Him.
Indeed we need to have God’s Spirit ruling and abiding within our hearts in order to forgive and as was the case with Joseph be commited to obeying God. Joseph is an excellent example for the family because in comparison to all that he endured of his brothers the things we encounter become ever so small and how can we forget our perfect example–while dying Jesus extended mercy to those taking His life.
Since It was just Impossible to get a group of family members together and with Lent starting we decided to pray at least 3 times of the hours 6am, 9am, 12noon, 3pm or 6pm. we are praying for self, family, our Church family, The Body of Christ and unbelivers.