Forgiveness is greater than vengeance. Compassion more powerful than anger.

 I would guess most people, even if not a believer in God or follower of Jesus, are familiar with the Bible story of Joseph and his brothers.  The story was even made into a Broadway musical! (Happy 40th anniversary, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!)

It's a tragic story of a favorite son with 10 jealous older brothers.  Joseph was the first born son of his father's favorite wife (Just because men had multiple wives in the Bible does not mean God was fine with it.  He was not.)  The brothers grew tired of the special privilege Joseph received, and tired of his crazy dreams.  So they made a plan to sell him into slavery.  He was sold into Egypt, where he spent time as a slave and a prisoner, before finally rising to power as the second in command in all of Egypt.  (The full story can be found in Genesis 37-50)  After 20 years in a foreign land, 20 years away from his family and the life he planned to live in Canaan, Joseph is reunited with his brothers in an epic scene.   He famously tells them "What you meant for evil, God meant for good."  And he forgives them.  Just like that.  Why?

The answer is partly found a few chapters before, when Joseph is still a young boy.  Joseph's father, Jacob, has been estranged from his twin brother, Esau, for at least 20 years.  Jacob tricked Esau out of his birthright and out of their father's blessing.  When Jacob and his enormous family are moving to a new home, they have to cross through Esau's property.  (Awwwkward.)  As they get closer, Jacob sees Esau coming toward him with 400 men.  So. expecting a confrontation,  he divides his family, putting Joseph and his beloved mother in the back, where it's safest.  But Esau isn't mad; he embraces Jacob and kisses him and they cry together!  Jacob introduces his long-lost twin brother to his family.  He introduces Joseph and Rachel last, giving Joseph a front row seat as the beautiful scene of forgiveness and reconciliation between the brothers. his father and his uncle,  plays out.  

We live out different scenarios in front of the people in our lives every day.  And they are taking cues from us, forming opinions, making decisions based on our actions. When we may not even know they were looking.   Choose forgiveness.  Choose reconciliation.  Choose kindness.  Choose peace.  What others mean for evil, God means for good.  For His glory.