How do I forgive a family member who has harmed me?

How do I forgive a family member who has harmed me?

 

 

How do we repay evil with good, as the Bible instructs us to do,

especially when it comes to someone who has harmed us,

even with malicious intent (1 Thess. 5:15)?

 

How can we overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21)

and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us?

Is it truly possible for us to pursue good

even for those who have treated us with evil intentions?

 

Joseph in the Bible acted in this way.

He sincerely forgave his brothers who had hated him and even plotted to kill him.

Not only did he forgive them, but he also comforted his fearful brothers

and took care of them and their children

until he died at the age of 110 (Gen. 50:21, 26).

How was this possible?

 

Joseph had tasted the goodness of God (Ps. 34:8), and because of that,

he was able to do good even to his brothers who had intended harm (Eph.2:10).

In other words, although his brothers had meant to harm him,

Joseph realized that God had turned it into good, saving many lives (Gen. 50:20).

Understanding God's gracious plan,

he genuinely forgave his brothers, comforted them with earnest words,

and cared for them and their children until his death.

 

We are able to do good, not only to those who have harmed us

but also to those who have intended evil against us,

by sincerely forgiving them, comforting them, and caring for them in our hearts.

This is possible only when God, in His great mercy, helps us realize through faith

that He has the power to transform the evil intentions of those

who sought to harm us into good, fulfilling His gracious purpose.

We deeply appreciate this immense grace from our great God.