An important message in scripture is one of forgiveness.

Many know and can recite the Lords prayer. There is one line that says "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us".

But saying it and actually doing it can be miles apart. Giving out forgiveness sometimes does not come about very easily.

One of the best known stories of forgiveness in the Bible is the story of Joseph and his many coloured coat. His father loved him more than his older brothers and had a richly ornamented robe made for him.

Because of this, his brothers hated him and would not speak kindly about him. Joseph had a dream (Genesis 37:5-7) and because of it they hated him even more.

At this point we have to stop and reflect on how many families in this day and age have hatred and rifts build up when they feel that they are not being treated equally. Unfortunately, if not dealt with properly, it can often build up to a peak resulting in someone saying or doing something that will be regretted.

Back to Joseph's story. He was sent to the flocks his brothers were tending. The brothers saw him coming in the distance and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him and throw him in a well. One of the brothers advised them not to kill him but to still throw him in the well.

So that is what they did. But then a caravan of Ishmaelites came along and they decided to sell him to them. After doing that, they went back to their father and told him Joseph was dead.

It's amazing at this point to think that siblings would go that far in acting out their hatred towards their brother.

As the story progresses, Joseph has his ups and downs. He lives in the house of his Egyptian master and becomes his attendant.

After being falsely accused of being with his master's wife, he was sent to prison. But because of his ability to interpret dreams he was brought to Pharaoh to interpret his dream. Because he could do this, he was put in charge of Pharaoh's palace and all his people were to submit to him.

I am sure Joseph's two years in prison would have been lots of time for him to build up a great hatred for his brothers who had initiated him leaving his home.

Joseph's brothers eventually go to Egypt for food, thinking that Joseph would have died long ago. In Egypt they have dealings with Joseph but do not recognize him. And then finally (Genesis 45:3) Joseph makes himself known to his brothers. They are speechless and understandably terrified. But after Joseph speaks with them, they realize he has f o rgiven them.

Wow!! What a story. After all that he had been through, he still forgave them.

Is there hurt and perhaps hatred that has built up over the years within our own families? Perhaps something many years ago that has caused a rift between you and someone else in your family? It won't be easy, but maybe today would be a great time just to call them up or go and see them. Just to ask forgiveness for the way you have responded to them. (I know, I know it's not your fault - but someone has to take that first step. Why not you?)

We must keep in mind that as a Christian (one who believes in the Lord Jesus as their own personal saviour) God forgives us for our wrongdoings. Shoudn't we be prepared to do the same?

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.