Judah begged that Benjamin be allowed to go home, and Joseph could no longer hold back his tears. He asked the Egyptian attendants to leave. Then Joseph cried before his brothers and said, “I am Joseph! I am your brother! Is Father still alive?” The brothers were shocked and afraid and could not speak. Joseph gently asked them to come closer and told them not to be afraid. Although they had once sent him to Egypt, God had prepared rescue during the famine so the family could live. Joseph embraced Benjamin and then embraced his brothers. When Pharaoh heard the news, he invited Joseph’s whole family to come to Egypt. Joseph prepared gifts, food, and wagons so the brothers could bring their father. When Jacob heard that Joseph was alive, his heart was strengthened, and he decided to go to Egypt with the family to see Joseph again.
Joseph did not pretend that what his brothers had done before did not matter. When he saw their fear, he comforted them with gentle words and told them that God had prepared a way to save the family during the famine. Forgiveness does not mean saying that hurt is okay, and it does not rush children back into closeness. Forgiveness means giving bitterness to God and, when it is safe and appropriate, choosing mercy. If someone seriously hurts you or you still feel afraid, you must tell a trusted adult. We can learn from Joseph: with God’s help, we do not let bitterness control us, and we respond to others with wisdom and love.
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