A Story of Grace, Growth, and God 's Sovereignty
By Donna Snow
The story of Joseph in Genesis (chapters 37-50) is one of the most compelling narratives in Scripture. It’s filled with betrayal, injustice, patience, divine intervention, and ultimately, forgiveness.
Joseph’s journey from a betrayed brother to a powerful Egyptian leader is not just a tale of rags to riches; it’s a powerful testament to how forgiveness can transform pain into purpose and bitterness into blessing.
THE WOUND OF BETRAYAL
Joseph was just 17 when his life took a devastating turn. Favored by his father Jacob and gifted with prophetic dreams, Joseph was hated by his older brothers. Their jealousy turned deadly. After plotting to kill him, they instead sold him into slavery and deceived their father into believing he was dead (Genesis 37).
Imagine the weight of that betrayal. Joseph wasn’t just wronged—he was completely uprooted. The ones who should have protected him stripped him of everything familiar: family, homeland, and even his identity. Yet remarkably, Scripture does not show Joseph seeking revenge or spiraling into despair. His resilience and character begin to take shape even in the early stages of his trial.
FAITHFULNESS IN THE PIT
Joseph’s path was anything but easy. In Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar, where he found favor through his integrity and hard work. But when falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison (Genesis 39). Again, betrayed and forgotten. Even the cupbearer, whose dream Joseph interpreted, failed to remember him for two years.
Despite the injustices, Joseph remained faithful. He didn’t allow bitterness to define him. Instead of letting his circumstances harden his heart, he drew closer to God. Genesis 39 repeatedly tells us, “The Lord was with Joseph” (ESV). Even in prison, Joseph continued serving others, interpreting dreams, and living with integrity.
GOD’S TIMING AND PROVIDENCE
Joseph was eventually brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. Recognizing God’s hand in Joseph, Pharaoh elevated him to second-in-command over all Egypt (Genesis 41). From prisoner to prince, Joseph’s story pivoted dramatically, but the true test of his heart was yet to come.
Famine brought his brothers to Egypt, unknowingly placing them at the mercy of the very brother they betrayed. Joseph now had power, position, and every earthly reason to retaliate, but he chose something higher—he chose forgiveness.
THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers in Genesis 45, it is one of the most emotional moments in the Bible. He weeps so loudly that everyone in the palace hears it. Yet instead of accusations, Joseph says: “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5 ESV).
This is not denial or dismissal of their sin. Joseph acknowledges their betrayal. But he places it within the bigger frame of God’s sovereignty. Joseph had every reason to seek revenge, but he saw God’s hand even in the suffering. That’s what forgiveness does—it shifts our gaze from the offense to the One who can redeem it.
HEALING THROUGH GRACE
Joseph’s forgiveness not only spared his brothers but reunited a fractured family. He cared for them, provided for them, and even assured them after their father Jacob’s death, saying: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good ...” (Genesis 50:20 ESV).
This verse is the cornerstone of Joseph’s theology of forgiveness. He doesn’t ignore the wrong. He names it—“you meant evil.” But then he lifts it higher—“God meant it for good.” Joseph didn’t need to pretend the hurt didn’t matter. He simply believed that God’s grace was bigger than human sin.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Joseph’s story is timeless because all of us have experienced wounds inflicted by others. Some betrayals may cut deep—by family, friends, and even people in the church. And yet, like Joseph, we are called to forgive.
1. Forgiveness is not forgetting—it’s trusting.
Joseph didn’t forget what his brothers did. But he trusted God more than he clung to his pain. Forgiveness is not amnesia; it’s letting go of bitterness and letting God bring justice in His way and timing.
2. Forgiveness often happens before reconciliation.
Joseph had likely already worked through forgiveness long before his brothers stood before him. Reconciliation requires both parties, but forgiveness starts with one heart. God enables us to extend forgiveness to someone even if they never apologize.
3. God can use what was meant for evil.
This is one of the greatest promises of Scripture. Your story doesn’t end at betrayal. Like Joseph, the very thing the enemy meant to destroy you can become the stage for God’s glory.
4. Forgiveness frees the future.
If Joseph had stayed bitter, he may never have walked into the story that God had already written for his life. Unforgiveness chains us to the past. Forgiveness clears the path for future joy, purpose, and relationships.
5. You’re never alone in the process.
Just as “the Lord was with Joseph,” God is with you in every painful moment. He sees the injustice. He collects every tear. He will redeem what was lost though it may look different.
CHOOSING THE BETTER STORY
Joseph chose a better story than revenge. He trusted God and left the justice to Him. And we can too.
We live in a culture that applauds holding grudges, airing grievances, and canceling those who hurt us. But God calls us to something radical: forgive as we have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32 ESV). Jesus Himself, on the cross, said, “Father, forgive them …” (Luke 23:34 ESV). If Christ can forgive from the cross, we can forgive from our pain.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt wasn’t real. It means trusting that God’s healing is more powerful than the hurt. Like Joseph, we can forgive, not because it’s easy, but because we believe God is good.
CONCLUSION: LIVING JOSEPH’S LEGACY
Joseph’s story is not just about a dreamer—it’s about a forgiver. His legacy isn’t his rise to power but his willingness to release pain and bless those who hurt him. That’s the real miracle.
When we extend forgiveness, we echo the heart of God. We become instruments of healing in a broken world, and we testify that grace is greater than grief.
So, who do you need to forgive?
Maybe it’s a sibling, a parent, a former friend, or even your child. Maybe it’s a wound decades old, or one that’s fresh and raw. Whatever it is, remember: The same God who was with Joseph is with you. He can bring beauty from betrayal. He can lift you from the pit. He can enable you to forgive.
When you do, like Joseph, you may just discover that what was meant for evil … God meant for good.
Donna Snow’s passion is writing and teaching Bible studies. Donna has published eight Bible studies through Concordia Publishing House, and five video-based Bible studies through LWML. Her new Bible study on the Book of Joshua was released in April 2025. After serving 30 years in corporate America’s legal field, Donna accepted early retirement in June 2021. She now devotes full-time to her writing, teaching, and speaking ministry through Artesian Ministries, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to Bible study. Donna is a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, a Bible study teacher, and an active LWML member.