Dr. Charles Lewis
Ephesians 4:32 
Genesis 50:19-20

We live in a day when a lot of turmoil is happening. There are wars, division, political conflict, and polarizing views. Statistics also show that great division exists within the church as well. In these times, we often say things that are hurtful. This division leads to ill-will, maliciousness, divisiveness, and negativity in general. The outcome of such is often broken, ruined relationships. And thus, one of the greatest things we can do is forgive: a gift to the offender generally, and your offender specifically. It's one of the hallmarks of the Christian. We are commanded to forgive in Ephesians 4:32, where we are to forgive as through Christ, God forgave us.

Unforgiveness keeps us out of God's lane, and in our own lane. In Genesis, Joseph asks, "Am I in God's place?" We often love to get in God's place, where we have no business at all. Holding a grudge is none of our business, and keeps us far from God. We should also be mindful that forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. It is a choice to pardon--letting others go free while we also acknowledge our pain and what occurred. Be also mindful that what has been done against you can make you bitter or better. Joseph perceived God's working through his hardships, even those caused by his brothers' wicked choices, and he chose to be better. If your situation is bad, don't count God out. Count him in. 

Are you trying to pay someone back for the evil they have done to you? Are you holding a grudge? Joseph would say, "Let it go." Vengeance is the Lord's. Stay in your own lane, and don't get in God's lane. 

But what if you've been the perpetrator, having done wrong and injured others through actions or words? There's something you can do. Like Joseph's brothers, you can send a message to those you've harmed. Like them, you can reach out to those you've harmed, express your wrong, and ask for forgiveness.

God can redeem both the hurt of the wounded, and the wrongs of the perpetrators.

Ephesians 4:32 

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.