The forgiveness Joseph extended to his brothers is one of the clearest examples of grace in the Old Testament. After years of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, Joseph had every opportunity to seek revenge. Instead, he chose to forgive. When he revealed himself to his brothers, his words in Genesis 45:4–5 were filled with mercy:
“And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.’”
Joseph did not ignore their sin but reframed it in light of God’s plan. He recognized that while their intentions were evil, God used those circumstances for good. Later, in Genesis 50:20, he reaffirmed this truth:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Joseph’s forgiveness teaches that grace looks beyond personal hurt and sees God’s purpose. It is a choice to release bitterness and extend kindness, even to those who have caused deep pain. True forgiveness acknowledges wrongdoing but refuses to repay evil with evil. Instead, it seeks restoration and peace.
This account points us forward to the ultimate act of grace, Jesus Christ forgiving sinners and reconciling them to God. Just as Joseph provided life for those who wronged him, Jesus offers eternal life to those who repent and believe in Him.
