Forgive and forget?

Bible Reading: Read Genesis 45:4-15
Author: Valerie L. Runyan (New Mexico, US)
Thursday 28 March 2024 © The Upper Room.
Today’s Bible reading is about Joseph forgiving his brothers, but it is also clear that Joseph had not forgotten what his brothers had done. Although the command to ‘forgive and forget’ is not found specifically in the Bible, I still wish I could always forget. I can forgive small trans- gressions, and even forget most of them. Yet some hurtful memories continue to invade my heart and this makes me question whether or not I have truly forgiven the person involved.

But years ago, a TV programme about bees gave me a whole new perspective. When a beehive is invaded by an outsider, the bees pro- tect the hive by stinging the invader to death. If the remains are too large to remove, they begin to cover them with layers of wax, so thick that the features become blurred and difficult to distinguish. And here is the wonderful part – the intruder becomes a lasting part of the hive! This gave me an insight into forgiveness. I cannot completely remove hurtful invading memories. They are a part of my heart and who I am in Christ. But Ican continually wrap them in layers of prayer and, with time, blur the hurtful details so that they no longer have power over me.

Prayer: Compassionate God, thank you for the forgiveness we have in your Son. Help us to honour you today. Amen
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