5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life . . . 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God . . . . Genesis 45:5; 7-8 (ESV)
1. The fear of Joseph’s brothers before reconciliation
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” Genesis 50:15 (ESV); Matthew 7:3
2. The method of Joseph’s brothers to bring reconciliation
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Genesis 50:16-17 (ESV)
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone . . . . Matthew 18:15 (ESV); Proverbs 25:2; Proverbs 18:17 Philippians 4:2-3.
3. The confession of Joseph’s brothers in reconciliation
17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Genesis 50:17-18 (ESV)
3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him
Luke 17:3 (ESV)
6 . . .When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, 7 he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong. Numbers 5:6-7 (ESV)
4. The attainment of Joseph’s brothers to reconciliation
19But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (ESV)
15See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23 (ESV)