Joseph did nothing wrong yet he was sold into slavery by his own brothers.
It is often difficult as a believer to face trials and tribulations. But we are told in scripture that we are to expect certain sorrows and attacks from the enemy. However when the situations arise at the hands of those closest to us is can be difficult to understand. The Bible calls this an offense. The Greek word "skandalon" means something contrary to expectation that brings disappointment.
There's no doubt about it the closer the relationship the more severe the pain of the offense. But it is important to understand that the offense is harmless unless we allow it to take root in our spirit and grow. Jesus Himself told us in Luke 17:1 it's impossible not to be offended in this life. Therefore the question isn't will you be offended but how you will deal with it when you are offended.
If we allow these offenses to take root and grow because we nurse it, water it, protect it, feed it, and give it attention eventually it turns into bitterness. The root then becomes hard to pull up and causes you to be corrupted. Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Joseph was wise. He knew not to allow another's sin to affect his relationship with God even when he lost his inheritance and his freedom. His chosen response was to forgive. Joseph let God deal with the offense against him rather than dealing with it himself. As he was going through Joseph didn't realize that in God's providence he was being prepared to rule. He didn't understand that he was part of his family's salvation.
Forgiveness is the only cure for offense. When we forgive we release the power of God to bring good out of a bad situation.
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