Overcome Bitterness

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Overcome Bitterness

• November 16

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Think about it

• How would you describe the taste of bitterness?
• Sometimes the harsh, disagreeable feeling comes
  in relationships
• Joseph could have felt that way towards his
  brothers.
• Today we look at how he overcame bitterness.

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Listen for who was surprised.

• Genesis 453-4 (NIV) 3 Joseph said to his
  brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still
  living?" But his brothers were not able to answer
  him, because they were terrified at his presence.
  4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close
  to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am
  your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!

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Forgiveness Doesnt Mean Forgetting

• Imagine that you are Joseph and your brothers
  show up. What reasons might you have for not
  telling them right away who you are?
• Now imagine yourself as one of the brothers you
  are brought before this important official as a
  foreigner you are accused of being spies Why
  would you not recognize your own brother?

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Forgiveness Doesnt Mean Forgetting

• What did Joseph say to his brothers when he
  revealed who he was?
• Why would the brothers have been troubled at
  Joseph identifying himself to them?
• What did Joseph do to try to ease their concern?
• Why do you think Joseph added the reminder that
  they had sold him into slavery in Egypt?

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Forgiveness Doesnt Mean Forgetting

• So what kind of mixed emotions did Joseph and the
  brothers experience?

Joseph Brothers

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Listen for reassurance given.

• Genesis 455-8 (NIV) 5 And now, do not be
  distressed and do not be angry with yourselves
  for selling me here, because it was to save lives
  that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years
  now there has been famine in the land, and for
  the next five years there will not be plowing and
  reaping.

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Listen for reassurance given.

• 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for
  you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by
  a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you
  who sent me here, but God. He made me father to
  Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler
  of all Egypt.

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Forgiveness Focuses on the Future

• What did Joseph tell his brothers when he
  revealed who he was?
• Joseph acknowledged Gods guidance in and through
  his trials. Why would it be hard to view ones
  trials in this way?
• How does God sometimes help us by allowing us to
  go through adverse circumstances?

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Forgiveness Focuses on the Future

• What are some ways the bad intentions or bad
  actions of others could bring about good in your
  life?
• Why is it hard to forgive someone who has wronged
  you?
• Why is it important to forgive others?

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Listen for instructions Joseph gives.

• What did Joseph want his brothers to do
  immediately?
• What assurance was Joseph trying to give his
  brothers through his plan for them?
• What actions on our part lead to reconciliation?

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Listen for instructions Joseph gives.

• Whats the difference between forgiveness and
  reconciliation?

Forgiveness Reconciliation

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Application

• Dont feed bitterness
• You might never forget the hurt suffered.
• But you can stop focusing your thoughts and
  conversations on the problem.
• Ask God to give you understanding and strength to
  help you forgive.

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Application

• Choose to forgive
• As God provides the opportunity to meet with the
  one who has hurt you, share your pain and your
  desire to forgive.
• Ask God to guide the conversation and heal the
  relationship.
• In Gods strength, be done with bitter feelings.

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Application

• Ask for forgiveness
• Ask the Lord to show you where you may have been
  the one to cause the hurt.
• Humbly seek Gods forgiveness and forgiveness
  from the one you hurt.
• Pray that Gods Holy Spirit will work in both
  your lives to restore your relationship

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Overcome Bitterness

• November 16