March 13, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. (Genesis 59:15, 17)

Joseph's brothers here reflect the anxiety of many sinners and his reaction represents the heart of God as revealed in Jesus. While those who are ignorant of the Father's infinite goodness and mercy are afraid of incurring His wrath and retribution after offending Him, the truth is that He is tenderhearted toward them and wishes they'd stop going astray so as not to suffer harm as a result.

God doesn't count our sins against us. His love doesn't keep a record of wrongs. May a full realization of this cause us to want to give thanks to Him and refrain from anything that would be detrimental to our relationship with Him rather than just avoid consequences.