Meant for Good

Joseph’s brothers sold him, lied about him and left him for dead. Years later they stood in front of him, terrified that he would finally pay them back. He had the power to do it.

Instead he said one of the most freeing sentences in the Bible: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Joseph didn’t pretend the evil wasn’t evil. He named it. But he saw God’s hand over it, bringing good out of what was meant to destroy him. That is what let him forgive.

On the cross, Jesus went further still. While the wrong was still being done, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Out of the worst evil ever done, God brought salvation for many. If someone has wronged you, you can name it honestly, and still trust God to bring good from it.