After their father dies Joseph's brothers become concerned for their situation, wondering if, perhaps, Joseph has forestalled vengeance against them so long as Jacob lived. They send a message to Joseph, begging his forgiveness (Genesis 50:16-17).
Joseph reassures his brothers that his forgiveness is real and that he harbors no thoughts of revenge (Genesis 50:19-21). He states a truth that bears both repeating and contemplating, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." I'm grateful that God sometimes works this way: We intend to do harm by our actions, but God uses them to accomplish something good.
It would be both unwise and irresponsible to do as we please, both good and bad, trusting God to work it all out for the good. But it is comforting to know that God can and does use flawed human efforts in order to bring about good outcomes, especially in the case of unintended harm.
How often, in trying to do well, do we cause some unforeseen hurt? God knows our hearts, but everyone else knows the hurts! We can apologize and try to make amends, but God can create an even greater good out of the messes we have made. The possibility is a comfort to me.
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