The Bible urges us to forgive – totally. It is very surprising, therefore, to learn that there is no teaching of this kind for forgiveness in Judaism.

Last time we read together we covered lessons learned from Joseph’s example.

1. Do not let anyone know what someone said about you or did to you?
2. Do not allow anyone to be afraid of you or intimidated by you.
3. We will want them to forgive themselves and not feel guilty.

But there’s more. Let’s cover those tonight.

Last time we talked about how Joseph’s actions toward his brothers demonstrated total forgiveness. So what lessons about total forgiveness can the example of Joseph teach us?

The story of Joesph provides a heart-searching frame of reference by showing us how he was able to totally forgive his brothers.

Forgiveness isn’t approving of, excusing, justifying or pardoning an offense. It doesn’t have to include reconciliation and it doesn’t mean we deny, turn a blind eye or forget the sin against us. We don’t have to refuse to take a wrong seriously or pretend that we weren’t hurt by it. But forgiveness is necessary.

“Just as God forgives people without approving of their sin, we also must learn that forgiving people does not imply an endorsement of their evil deeds.”

So let’s take a look at what forgiveness is.

Last week we started chapter 1 and left off with this quote:

Total forgiveness does not mean closing our eyes to those who will continue to harm others.

Before going any further, let me clarify what total forgiveness is not.

One must totally forgive those who will not be reconciled. It must happen in the heart, and when it does, peace emerges – with or without a complete restoration of the relationship. What matters is that the Holy Spirit is able to dwell in us ungrieved, able to be utterly Himself.

He has chosen to share many of those prophecies with us, if we will only heed what they say.