FORGIVENESS AS A KEY TO FULFILMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 50:19-21
Key Verse: “And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19)
Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 12:14-15; Romans 12:17-21
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness is not a denial of wrongdoing, nor is it a justification of injustice. It is a deliberate decision to release resentment and entrust judgment to God. Joseph’s life illustrates that destiny and bitterness cannot coexist. Though deeply wounded by betrayal, he chose forgiveness and that choice preserved both his peace and his purpose.
Many destinies stall not because of lack of opportunity, but because of unresolved offense. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength under control. It is the doorway through which healing, restoration, and fulfilment enter.
When forgiveness becomes a lifestyle, fulfilment becomes attainable.
1. FORGIVENESS RELEASES YOU FROM THE PRISON OF BITTERNESS
Unforgiveness binds the offended more tightly than the offender.
a) Refusing to Play God (Genesis 50:19)
Joseph acknowledged that vengeance belongs to God, recognizing that assuming the role of judge would corrupt his spirit and derail his purpose. By surrendering judgment to God, he freed himself from the burden of retaliation.
b) Letting Go of Resentment (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Bitterness, wrath, and malice poison the heart over time. Forgiveness uproots these destructive emotions and replaces them with kindness and compassion, restoring emotional and spiritual health.
c) Preventing Spiritual Defilement (Hebrews 12:15)
Scripture warns that a root of bitterness can trouble many and defile relationships. Forgiveness prevents internal wounds from spreading outward into future connections and opportunities.
d) Choosing Freedom Over Bondage
Holding onto offense creates an invisible prison of anger and pain. Forgiveness unlocks the cell door, allowing peace and clarity to return.
Biblical Example: After years of pursuit by Saul, David refused to harm him when given the opportunity, choosing integrity over revenge and preserving his kingship (1 Samuel 24:10-12).
2. FORGIVENESS PRESERVES DESTINY AND PURPOSE
Unresolved offense can obstruct divine fulfilment.
a) Maintaining Clarity of Vision (Genesis 45:5-8)
Joseph understood that God’s purpose was larger than his brothers’ betrayal. By forgiving them, he kept his focus on preservation rather than revenge, ensuring that his divine assignment remained intact.
b) Aligning with God’s Mercy (Matthew 6:14-15)
Receiving God’s forgiveness requires extending forgiveness to others. Destiny flourishes in an atmosphere of grace, not grudges.
c) Protecting Future Relationships
Bitterness from past wounds can sabotage future connections. Forgiveness clears emotional debris, allowing healthy partnerships and collaborations to emerge.
d) Sustaining Long-Term Influence
Leadership and fulfilment require emotional stability. Forgiveness stabilizes the heart, ensuring that past pain does not dictate present decisions.
Biblical Example: Stephen, while being stoned, prayed for his persecutors. His forgiveness reflected Christ’s spirit and strengthened the early Church (Acts 7:59-60).
3. FORGIVENESS REFLECTS SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Spiritual growth is measured by the capacity to forgive.
a) Overcoming Evil with Good (Romans 12:17-21)
True maturity refuses to mirror wrongdoing. Instead of retaliation, forgiveness responds with goodness, breaking cycles of hostility.
b) Demonstrating Christlike Character
Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, modeling sacrificial love. Forgiveness mirrors divine nature and reflects spiritual depth.
c) Exercising Emotional Discipline
Forgiveness is a decision before it becomes a feeling. Choosing it consistently demonstrates inner strength and stability.
d) Releasing the Right to Retaliate
Forgiveness surrenders personal vengeance and trusts God’s justice, revealing confidence in divine sovereignty.
Biblical Example: The father of the prodigal son welcomed his returning child without condemnation, revealing maturity through mercy (Luke 15:20-24).
4. FORGIVENESS UNLOCKS RESTORATION AND FULFILMENT
Where forgiveness flows, restoration follows.
a) Restored Relationships (Genesis 50:20-21)
Joseph’s forgiveness restored family unity and secured generational continuity.
b) Emotional Healing
Forgiveness allows wounds to close properly instead of festering beneath the surface.
c) Peace That Surpasses Pain
Letting go of offense produces a deep inner peace that external success cannot replace.
d) Fulfilment of Divine Dreams
Joseph’s dreams reached full manifestation only after reconciliation. Forgiveness ensured that success was not overshadowed by unresolved conflict.
Biblical Example: Job prayed for his friends who had spoken wrongly about him, and his restoration followed (Job 42:10).
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness is not optional for those seeking fulfilment; it is essential. It protects the heart, preserves destiny, and reflects spiritual maturity. Joseph’s greatness was not only in his administrative skill but in his ability to forgive deeply and genuinely.
Fulfilment flows where forgiveness lives. When you release offense, you make room for peace, restoration, and the full manifestation of God’s purpose in your life.
Forgiveness is the key and fulfilment is the reward.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, give me grace to forgive every offense in Jesus name.
2. Lord, uproot every seed of bitterness from my heart in Jesus name.
3. Father, heal every emotional wound caused by betrayal in Jesus name.
4. Lord, align my heart with Your mercy in Jesus name.
5. Father, help me release the desire for revenge in Jesus name.
6. Lord, restore every relationship according to Your will in Jesus name.
7. Father, preserve my destiny from the trap of unforgiveness in Jesus name.
8. Lord, fill my heart with peace and compassion in Jesus name.
9. Father, let forgiveness unlock greater fulfilment in my life in Jesus name.
10. Lord, make me a reflection of Your grace and love in Jesus name.
