“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” – Genesis 45:5
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and left to rot in prison, Joseph had every human reason to hold on to bitterness and anger. But instead, when the moment came to confront his brothers, he spoke these words of grace and forgiveness, recognizing God’s hand in everything that had happened.
It’s hard to imagine being wronged on the level Joseph was. His brothers stripped him of his coat, his freedom, and, for a time, his family. Yet, he didn’t let bitterness define him. Instead, Joseph had a heart of forgiveness and faith.
The same character that Joseph displayed can be found in us if we choose to live the way he lived. Let’s look at three key things Joseph did that we can learn from:
1. Joseph Trusted God’s Sovereignty
Joseph saw beyond his circumstances. He understood that while his brothers meant evil, God meant it for good. Joseph’s perspective came from his faith that God was always in control, even in the hardest moments of his life. Whether he was in the pit, Potiphar’s house, or the prison, Joseph trusted that God’s hand was guiding every detail.
We can do the same. When people wrong us or life doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to dwell on the pain or unfairness. But if we remember that God is sovereign—that He’s working all things together for good—we can let go of resentment. Like Joseph, we can look beyond the immediate and trust that God is working a greater plan.
2. Joseph Stayed Close to God
Every step of Joseph’s life, the Bible reminds us that “the Lord was with Joseph.” In slavery, God was with him. In prison, God was with him. And because of this, Joseph didn’t just survive his trials—he thrived in them. He didn’t allow his circumstances to pull him away from God but instead leaned on Him even more.
We need to build that same fellowship with God. When we feel wronged or hurt, it’s tempting to distance ourselves from God, but that’s when we need Him most. A close relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading, strengthens us and helps us respond with grace rather than anger.
3. Joseph Forgave and Focused on God’s Glory
Joseph’s forgiveness wasn’t just about letting go of his brothers’ betrayal. It was also about pointing everything back to God. He told his brothers that God had sent him to Egypt to preserve life—not as a victim, but as part of God’s plan. His priority wasn’t revenge; it was glorifying God by fulfilling the purpose He had for him.
We can follow Joseph’s example by choosing forgiveness over bitterness. When people hurt us, it’s easy to hold on to the pain, but forgiveness frees us to live out God’s purpose for our lives. And when we forgive, we point others to God’s glory, showing that His grace is greater than any wrong done to us.
Joseph’s life reminds us that we don’t have to let the actions of others control us. By trusting in God’s sovereignty, staying close to Him, and choosing forgiveness, we can rise above bitterness and live the way Joseph did—with faith, humility, and a focus on God’s glory. It’s not always easy, but God can give us the strength to live like Joseph, even when others wrong us.
