How should believers respond to fear of past actions resurfacing, as in Genesis 50:15? When Old Sins Come Calling “ ‘What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong we did to him?’ ” (Genesis 50:15) Why Fear Rises Up • Conscience remembers what grace has already covered • The enemy exploits guilt to steal present peace (Revelation 12:10) • We forget God’s character and imagine judgment rather than mercy (Psalm 103:8-12) Truth That Silences Yesterday’s Terror • Complete forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • No condemnation: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) • New creation status: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • God’s forgetfulness: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) Joseph’s Model Response • Assurance, not retaliation: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” (Genesis 50:20) • Provision, not punishment: “So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:21) • Perspective of providence over pain: sees God’s hand shaping good out of evil Practical Steps to Walk Free 1. Acknowledge past sin honestly—no minimizing or excuses. 2. Restate God’s promise of forgiveness out loud; Scripture over feelings. 3. Refuse rehearsal of guilt; redirect thoughts to Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 10:22-23). 4. Make restitution if still possible and not yet done (Luke 19:8-9). 5. Replace fear with service—bless others the way Joseph blessed his brothers. 6. Surround yourself with believers who speak grace, not shame (Galatians 6:1-2). Living Today Without Yesterday’s Chains • God’s verdict settles the case; no earthly rumor can reopen it. • Every fresh accusation is an invitation to remember redemption. • The past is now part of God’s testimony through you, no longer a threat to you. |
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