1/19 Genesis 45 - The Difficult Path Towards Forgiveness & Reconciliation

People will hurt us, that's a fact of life. The question is, how do we respond? Even more challenging is the question of how to find true forgiveness and reconciliation when that hurt runs deep. Join us today in our study of Genesis 40-45 and learn from Joseph's example of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

Geneiss 45 1.    What events in Joseph’s life led up to these chapters? How did Joseph respond to them? Where did his ability to respond this way come from? Does your walk with the Lord reflect similar strength? Why or why not? 
2.    What do you think of how Joseph responded when he first re-met his brothers? How might you have responded if you saw your brothers for the first time, decades after they sold you into slavery? 
3.    The study explained that forgiveness is when we do not require a person to repay a debt. What debt did Joseph’s brothers owe Joseph? Have you ever received this kind of forgiveness? Have you ever extended this kind of forgiveness? 
4.    The study made a distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. How are they different? How is this distinction helpful when working through complex and painful issues between us and someone else? 
5.    How is Genesis 40-45 an example of the difficult work that goes into forgiveness and reconciliation? Why does Joseph have his brothers go through all these different tests? How did their responses demonstrate a true heart change in their lives? 
6.    Joseph’s brothers failed many of his tests, yet Joseph kept seeking reconciliation with them. Would you have been willing to put this much effort into it? Have you tried this hard to reconcile with someone? How did it go?
7.    How did Joseph respond when he saw the heart change of his brothers? How did this move them down the path toward true forgiveness and reconciliation? 
8.    What spiritual principles can we learn and apply from Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:19? How might these two verses relate to our lives when we face difficulty and adversity?
9.    What was the outcome (short-term and long-range) of Joseph and his brothers being able to work through these issues and coming to a place of true forgiveness and reconciliation? How do we still enjoy the benefit of their reconciliation?

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