March 2026

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers did not come after they had paid restitution or offered an apology. He forgave them the moment he realized they had changed from their jealous ways when they offered themselves in place of Benjamin for punishment. How overwhelming it must have been for Joseph to see such love amongst his brothers. His forgiveness came with no strings attached: “be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves” (Genesis 45:5).

In every moment of Joseph’s story, God was with him. From his brothers’ betrayal and serving Potiphar, to a friend of Pharaoh and the savior of his family, at no time was Joseph forgotten by God. Through the good and the bad, he trusted that God knew who he was and had faith that everything would be all right.

Abraham’s posterity was promised many blessings of eternal significance, but that didn’t mean everything would be perfect. His grandsons, Jacob and Esau, fought over who should inherit their father’s birthright. Relatives lied to and tricked each other. The prophet’s very own family was dysfunctional, yet that didn’t stop those who were righteous from striving to follow Jesus Christ.