The Genius of Forgiveness Do we need to forget to forgive? Joseph has every reason not to forgive, and little hope of forgetting. His very own brothers ripped him from his warm, privileged home and condemned to ruthless slavery. They showed him no sympathy, robbing him of everything and selling his very identity, at the tender age of seventeen. Yet, Joseph refuses to harbor any hatred. In fact, he goes out of his way to reassure his brothers, provide for them and defend their honor. His brothers are stunned. They eventually confront him, sure that his anger still simmers; patiently plotting retribution. Joseph comes clean: “I know you intended me harm, but G-d deemed the plan good.” Joseph sincerely finds their motives irrelevant. Not only does he not seek vengeance, he lovingly continues to care for them. Joseph is not absent-minded. Nor does he live in the abstract. He revels in the depths of a rich reality. The theory of his brothers’ feelings are not forgotten, they were never relevant. Right now they seem remorseful. How their past will continue to affect things is their business. A business dealing that they are free to take up with God, who has full view of intentions and their remedies. Joseph learns from the past, lives in the present and invests in the future. He is looks back with fond gratitude for the rough road that led him here. He treats every moment with the integrity and kindness that earned him this destination. His fights for the future, not by stepping on others, Or by bemoaning the scars, their steps have left on him; But by stepping up to the challenge, to personally lead with the next very best step. [Vayigash Torah Thought: by R Hadar]
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 00:44:02 +0000
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