“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:15-21 NASB1995

FORGIVING THE UNFORGIVABLE TAKES THREE THINGS:

• It takes faith

“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place?” Vs. 19

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C.S. Lewis

• It takes hope

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Vs. 20

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

• It takes love

“So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Vs. 21