Forgive and Then Forget
How wonderful that confession is a healing balm for our souls. The Bible says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed,” James 5:16.
After entering into forgiveness, conscious forgetfulness is vital. The patriarch Joseph called his first-born son Manasseh, saying, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household,” Genesis 41:51.
Joseph not only forgave his brothers, but he deliberately forgot the evil deeds they had committed against him.
During the latter part of his life, his father, Jacob, died. Joseph’s brothers again feared for their lives. They thought Joseph hadn’t really forgiven them and would take revenge on them at last. Joseph wept when he realized their concern and said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good,” Genesis 50:20.
Joseph could see the sovereign, merciful hand of God at work in his life. He had completely forgiven his brothers and forgotten their offense years before, and longed for them to experience that forgiveness themselves.
Forgive, be forgiven, forget. Enjoy all three today.
“After entering into forgiveness, conscious forgetfulness is vital.”
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.”