Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26 Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7 Matthew 10:24-33
“Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful.” —Genesis 50:15

Joseph’s brothers were fearful, guilt-ridden, and steeped in self-hatred. They flung themselves before Joseph and said: “Let us be your slaves!” (Gn 50:18) After they tried to murder Joseph and finally sold him into slavery, his brothers carried their burden of sin for nearly four decades.

Is there any sin of yours from many years ago that still upsets you? Do you have any sin for which you’ve received forgiveness from God but not from yourself? Have any perversions, especially past sexual sins, warped your self-image? It’s not unusual to be like Joseph’s brothers and spend a lifetime twisted and misshapen by guilt, even false guilt.

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