1. The Christian Alternative
Total Forgiveness
The Christian Alternative

2. Joseph and his brothers
Genesis 50:15-21

3. 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”
Genesis 50:15-21

4. 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died:

5. 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

6. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

7. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

8. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children
21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

9. Justice! The desire for justice keeps us tied to the pain

10. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:17-21

11. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

12. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;     if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

13. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

14. What total forgiveness is NOT
Approving of what they did, John 8:11
Excusing, justifying, or pardoning what they did
Reconciliation (That takes two)
Denying what they did
Pretending we’re not hurt

15. What total forgiveness is
Knowing what they did and still forgiving
Choosing to keep no record of wrong, 1 Corinthians 13:5
Refusing to punish, Deuteronomy 32:35
Not telling what they did
Being merciful and gracious
The absence of bitterness
Forgiving God and ourselves