always name, always forgive, always pray.

Monday September 15^th, Genesis 50: 19 but Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Step one, get it out in the open and name it.  You intended to harm me!!!  Let us make that clear, very clear.  Without that out in the open, forgiveness might be able to happen, but reconciliation cannot.  Step two, forgiveness.  It is needed more for your sanity than for the sanity of the other.  Forgiveness even needs to happen if step one is contested, road-blocked and never fully comes about.  Forgiveness is not primarily a benefit for the other; it is primarily a benefit for you.  Sometimes, it is what is needed first in order that step one might come about, maybe, someday, maybe.  Step three, no matter what happens, if it is covered in prayer, and you are open, God can use it for good.  So, always name, always forgive, always pray.