2/8 Genesis 45:5

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.

Joseph could see the plan of God unfolding. Instead of focusing on all the injustice he suffered and the hardship he endured, he chose to focus on what God was doing through it all. Our perspective makes all the difference in our attitudes. When we see the invisible hand of God guiding us through life and bringing good out of what was meant for evil, we can have a forgiving attitude toward those who wrong us.

We are told so little about Joseph's spiritual life, but we can see through his words that he consistently looked to God. To see life from the heavenly perspective is to wear proverbial "God glasses". Most of the world sees life from a self-centered viewpoint. Joseph learned through his hardships that God has a completely different picture before Him. It takes faith and trust for us to wait to see a glimpse of what God sees.

God values every life for each is made in the image of God. The transformation from sinner to saint is the heart of God for each person. The conviction of God coupled with Joseph's forgiveness were surely steps in the transformation of his brothers. That was greatest gift Joseph could have given his father, Israel. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give our heavenly Father. Is there someone who, by the grace of God, you need to forgive?

Consider: When life seems to be overwhelming and looks so unfair, ask yourself, "Do I have "God glasses" on, or am I wearing "me glasses"?