Astonishing Forgiveness

It’s day one of Astonishing Forgiveness, and we want to commend you for starting this devotional. Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike and sacrificial things we can do, while also being one of the scariest and most difficult. 

We also want to acknowledge that we don’t know your exact story, but in these five days, we hope to equip you with sound scriptural truths and stories of hope that we believe can lead you on a path to freedom. 

Before we get started with this study, we would love to pray with you.

God, we know that we can only forgive others because You have forgiven us. Allow us to peel back the layers of our hearts that are hardened to this practice so that we can more fully grasp the gift of salvation that You have extended to us. We love and trust You, Jesus. Amen.

If you’re being honest with yourself, forgiveness may be the last thing you want — or maybe you’ve wanted to forgive someone for a while, but you’ve been pushing it off. Wherever you are in this process, we want to spur you on — not with empty, weightless words — but by sharing the story of a person in scripture who was deeply wounded to remind you that you are not alone.

We love to watch movies and read books that tie up nicely in a bow, and many of us sit in turmoil when we see the opposite unfold. When the boy doesn’t get the girl, or the family doesn’t see justice for the loss of their child, we’re upset (rightfully so). In the same way, when we read scripture, we have the complete story—the beginning and the end, and “good” wins. For example, when we speak about the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, we learn of a boy who was once sold off to slavery in Egypt by his own flesh and blood but then rose up to become the right-hand man of the Pharaoh (Genesis 37, 39-50). It’s lovely seeing the whole picture and being assured that justice prevails.

But we must come to terms with the fact that many of us have not seen (and potentially will never see) the full redemption arc in our stories. Some of us are still experiencing the weight and burden of someone else’s actions, which are deeply affecting us at this very moment.

So, for day one, we want to place you in the middle of Joseph’s story.

Joseph became the attendant of Potiphar because of the Lord’s favor in his life (Genesis 39:1-6). Then, in verses 7-18, Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph into sleeping with her, but he refused. So, she told her husband that Joseph was the one trying to seduce her (most likely out of anger or embarrassment), which is where we pick up in the following verses:

When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. 

Genesis 39:19-20a

Everything about this situation seems unfair and unjust. After Joseph was arrested, we weren’t told of his feelings, but we can imagine that he most likely felt frustrated, alone, and confused. He was already thrown into a pit and sold off into slavery by his brothers, and now, he was imprisoned because of a baseless accusation.

Maybe you’re there. You’ve been wrongly accused and now face the consequences of someone else’s actions. It’s frustrating, and we want to give you full permission to hurt. Words of lament, pain, and deep anguish seep into the pages of scripture to remind you that it’s okay to feel sorrowful.

But it wouldn't be very helpful if we kept you here — let’s keep reading the rest of verse 20 into verse 21.

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Genesis 39:20b-21

This is the hope we can cling to amid unfairness and injustice:  if you put your faith and trust in Jesus, God is with you. So, stay strong, friend, and if you’re in the middle of deep hurt from the wounds of another, remind yourself of Joshua 1:9.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

As we journey together this week, we want to prepare you for a tangible step on day five, where we will challenge you to put forgiveness into practice. But for now, rest. Soak in the truth of His promised presence and express to God your deep pains, knowing that He hears your every word or groan.