Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
TEST OF FORGIVENESS
Recently, I read the story of Joseph as if I have not studied him before. I saw another test that Joseph passed. He passed the test of forgiveness. After Joseph became the second in command in Egypt, his wicked brothers showed up. I would not know what he felt like doing when he saw them but if I were in his shoes, I might be tempted to deal with them using my power. God saw that in me, probably that was why he led me to study the life and attitude of that great man. Instead of revenging, he accommodated them and gave them all they requested for.
In God's academy, vengeance belong to God not man. Apostle Paul said, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"(Romans12:19). One of the things you must learn in life and ministry is that people are bound to offend you in your journey but if you dwell on offences, you will fence yourself out of divine progress and promotion. The moment you start seeking for power and promotion, offences will come to test if you can forgive and move on.
God knows that some people will use their next level to settle scores with old foes. That may be the reason why some are stagnant and unprogressive. The moment God sees revenge as the reason behind your desire for a lifting, you will remain on the same spot. God is a loving God. Forgiveness is an expression of God's love towards us, he expect us to emulate him. If Joseph had remained bitter about his brothers, he may not get promoted to the palace because he may not flow accurately in the gift of dream interpretation. It was that gift that opened the door of the palace to him. Unforgivingness may be a clog in the wheel of your promotion to the next level, please deal with it.
Father,I receive grace to forgive in Jesus name