Manric Tan (LMPM): The Life of JosephHalimbawa

“Come Close To Me’’ In our last devotion, we talked about forgiveness. Now let’s talk about reconciliation. Forgiveness and reconciliation is not always the same thing. You can forgive without reconciling, but you cannot reconcile without forgiving. There are offenses and wrongdoings so intense that man cannot just forgive overnight. It is not of human sensibility to expect reconciliation, after a grave offense. But oftentimes, God gives us the opportunity to mend broken relationships. Joseph’s case was exceptional. Joseph was the one offended by his siblings and yet he made the first move to reconcile with them. Joseph’s brothers, aware of Joseph’s true identity, were so ashamed of themselves that they actually became afraid of him (Gen. 45:3). Guilt consumed them. Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘’come close to me.’’ (v.4). I believe forgiveness can be given or done from a distance, but true reconciliation can only take place up close and personal. Is the Lord challenging you to forgive someone, and to initiate reconciliation? If somehow this story sounds familiar to you, it is because this is none other than the Old Testament version of Romans 5:8, ‘’ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’’ Dare to be a Joseph today. Better yet, dare to do what Jesus did for you.