Choose to Forgive – Greg Laurie Devotion – April 25, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, lays the groundwork for God’s interaction with humanity. Moses is traditionally held as the author, writing around 1400-1200 BC, compiling oral traditions and perhaps earlier written records. Genesis tells the story of creation, the fall of humanity, the flood, and the beginnings of the Israelite nation through the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The final chapters of Genesis focus on Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, and his remarkable journey. This narrative isn’t just a historical account; it sets up a central theme of God’s ability to work His purposes through human actions, even sinful ones, to bring about good. The story of Joseph and his brothers, culminating in this powerful moment of forgiveness, brings this idea into sharp focus for us.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word ‘good’ in Genesis 50:20: ‘…but God intended it all for good.’ The Hebrew word here is טוֹב (ṭōḇ). This word is very common in the Old Testament and carries a rich meaning. It can mean something that is pleasant, agreeable, valuable, happy, prosperous, or morally good. In Genesis 1, God repeatedly declares His creation ‘good’ (ṭōḇ). Here, when Joseph says God intended things ‘for good,’ it means more than just a happy outcome; it means a right, beneficial, and divinely purposed outcome. Despite the evil intentions of his brothers, God reshaped their actions for a morally right and life-saving purpose.

The Hard Truth of Forgiveness

Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 50:19–21 nlt show us a tough truth for God’s people. We are called to forgive everyone who wrongs us. Think about what Joseph went through. His own brothers sold him into slavery. He spent most of his life far from his beloved father. He became a servant, then years later, he spent time in an Egyptian prison for a crime he didn’t do. All this happened because his brothers couldn’t control their jealousy.

Yet, years later, when he finally met them again—when he had every chance to get back at the siblings who had taken so much from him—he said, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children” (Genesis 50:19–21 nlt). Joseph reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

The Spiritual Reality of Our Calling

Some people get to the end of this story and say, “I could never forgive someone who did that to me.” But the spiritual reality is that you can—and you must. Jesus made this clear when He said, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” (Mark 11:25 nlt). There isn’t an asterisk or small print listing the offenses that are left out of His command. Jesus expects us to forgive those who have wronged us. Those who have taken advantage of us. Those who have slandered us. Those who have made fun of us. Those who have betrayed us.

And if we try to argue that someone doesn’t deserve our forgiveness, we’re left with a truth that we can’t escape: That’s what makes us the perfect people to forgive, because we know what it’s like to receive forgiveness we don’t deserve. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 nlt). You’ve received mercy; you can give it too.

Forgiveness as an Act of Faith

We may not always feel like forgiving. You might see people who have wronged you and feel your blood get hot. That’s when you need to say, “As an act of faith, as a step of obedience to Jesus Christ, I forgive this person.” It’s not about your feelings in that moment; it’s about choosing to follow Jesus.

It’s been said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” We should forgive not only for the sake of others, but also for the sake of our own mental and spiritual health. We must place our anger, pain, and craving to get even in God’s hands so that we’re no longer tormented by them. Holding on to bitterness only hurts you in the end; it doesn’t punish the other person.

So, is there someone you need to forgive today? Are you holding a grudge toward someone? Choose to forgive. Forgive whoever has hurt you. As Jesus said in Luke 6:37, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven” (nlt). Forgiveness brings freedom—for them, and especially for you.