028 Joseph: Releasing Your Resentment

One of the most amazing parts of Joseph’s story is his ability to forgive those who hurt him so deeply. Most of us have the tendency to bury our hurt until it becomes a roiling cauldron of resentment. Whether it’s a recent offense or an ancient one, resentment only makes one person miserable, and that person… is you.  

But God’s desire is that we move out of a house of spite and into the place of grace. See, He knows that the healthiness of your future is always impacted by the healing of your past. And that means releasing your resentment and choosing to forgive.

The Bible calls us to forgive as Christ forgave us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13). When we do, we give the issue of justice to God (Rom. 12:17-19). As a follower of Jesus, you do not have the right to punish. You have the responsibility to forgive.

Think about all that God has forgiven in you. Aren’t you grateful He gave you grace? Then maybe it’s time to release your resentment and forgive.

Text: Genesis 42-44

Originally recorded April 22, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

“Spite House”