In this week's lesson, we will study the power of forgiveness. The idea of forgiveness raises questions for many people. What is forgiveness? If we forgive someone who has deeply wronged us before he or she repents of the wrong, are we justifying his or her behavior?
If we forgive an individual, does that mean that we need to establish or reestablish a close relationship with that person? Does forgiveness always rebuild relationships?

Throughout this week’s lesson, we will see how forgiveness releases us from the poison of bitterness. Forgiveness changes us. It frees us from the bondage of resentment. Joseph’s heart was filled with forgiveness before his brothers ever asked, because he sensed that God had an overriding purpose for his life. His brothers suffered from the guilt of their actions for years. They were tormented by the memory of that last lingering look on their brother’s face as he was led away into slavery. Just as Joseph needed to forgive, they needed forgiveness. Forgiveness facilitates healing in broken relationships.

Both Jesus and Joseph share some striking similarities. Both were betrayed by those closest to them. Both were unjustly condemned. Both were falsely accused and suffered the consequences. Both forgave and were exalted by God. Hanging on the cross with nails through His hands and feet, and blood flowing freely from each of His limbs, Jesus cried out, “ ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know not what they do’ ” (Luke 23:34, NKJV). We can forgive others because Jesus forgave us, and that’s the theme of this week’s lesson.

Forgiveness is an attitude of grace for those who have wronged us. It does not justify their sinful behavior. It releases them from our condemnation and treats them with kindness despite what they have done to us. Genuine forgiveness does not wait until the person who has wronged you asks you to forgive him or her. Genuine forgiveness chooses to forgive others when they do not deserve it, because God’s love reaches out to us when we do not deserve it.