Pastor Greg Laurie from Harvest Christian Fellowship preached about forgiveness last Sunday, saying that the only way people can discover God's master plan for their lives is if they open the door of forgiveness.
Laurie used the life story of Joseph in Genesis, according to The Christian Post in his sermon. Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, and was even sent to prison after he turned down the advances of the wife of his master. In prison, God blessed Joseph with prophetic dreams. After he helped the pharaoh with his dreams, he quickly rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt.
When he came face to face with his brothers, Joseph could have made them suffer by turning his back on them. Instead, he forgave them and offered his help.
In the same way, Laurie said Christians should learn to forgive their oppressors. "I suggest to you that we sin more often than we think we do," he said in his sermon, "The Power of Forgiveness."
As believers, God "graciously gives His forgiveness to us though we don't deserve it." However, people often find themselves unable to forgive those who have wronged them, Laurie said.
"Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely thing until they have someone to forgive," he said. The main reason why people should have a forgiving heart is because God commands it. But aside from that, forgiveness is important for one's wellbeing.
Forgiveness does not mean people are allowing other people to get away with bad behaviour. It doesn't even need to mean reconciliation, because it isn't always possible, said Laurie. "To forgive means, I'm surrendering my right to get even," he clarified. "It's not giving in to that person, it's getting free from that person."
Joseph himself knew that God is sovereign. He understood that God is good and He is in control of all things. "This means the things He allows in my life are ultimately for my benefit and the benefit of others," Laurie explained. So for people who have experienced same hardships as Joseph did, Laurie asked, "Can you let it all go?"
