Saving Face.

It was not you that sent me here but God.  Genesis 45:8

Joseph's brothers listen in amazement as he says, "It was not you that sent me here, but God." Is he serious? "God did it'?" This takes forgiveness to a new level! Saving face that's what God lets us do! With full knowledge of our sinful past and our present struggles, He covers us with grace. And He expects us to do the same for others. You can make a friend for life by allowing someone to save face.

Reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew, Chapter 1, you might think the sin of adultery between David and Bathsheba was part of the divine strategy all along. Of course it wasn't, and David paid a high price. Yet Matthew records these events as though they were supposed to have happened in just that way.

For the one who really forgives from the heart, there's no place for self-righteousness. We are able to forgive because: 

(a) We remember what we ourselves have been forgiven of.

(b) We acknowledge what we're capable of. 

(c) We see God's hand at work in the bigger picture. 

(d) When we come through it we're wiser, stronger and more Christlike. 

So Joseph wasn't being condescending or patronizing; nor was he thinking, "I will be admired for being so gracious." No. During his years 'In prison God had operated on his heart and changed his attitude. So when he said, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" Genesis 50:20, Joseph did mean it. And that is real forgiveness!