“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20, NIV).

     Forgiveness requires a number of steps. Psychologists identify the act of reframing to be one of the crucial of these steps. Reframing is the process of understanding the offense that was committed against you from a different perspective.

     Joseph was deeply wounded by his brother’s act of betrayal. Joseph lost nearly fifteen years of his youth, yet he eventually came to realize that he had gained so much more. The critical statement of reframing is witnessed through Joseph’s gracious statement to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20, NIV). Joseph’s terrible ordeal eventually led him to become the prime minister of Egypt—a position that enabled Joseph to save the lives of the Hebrew people from starvation.

     The positive outcome of Joseph’s nightmarish trials certainly does not excuse the evil actions of his brothers. However, in looking back upon his time of suffering, Joseph recognized that God’s hand was clearly upon his life. God was leading Joseph in a direction that would produce a good outcome.

     One of the requests I make of God when forgiving someone who has hurt me is to pray: “Lord Jesus, please use this offense to produce something good in my life?” This question parallels the hope expressed by Paul in his letter to the Romans—“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (8:28).

     In all things, God has the power to turn your pain into gain, your scars into stars, and your earthly nightmares in eternal timeshares.

Prayer:
Lord God, please grant me the strength to forgive those who have done me harm. Remind me of your commandment to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Use this difficult experience to promote good in my life and in the lives of those around me. Through Christ I pray. Amen.