Taken from a sermon by Bryant Wright, Founder

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20

Dysfunction isn’t a modern issue—it’s as old as Scripture. And perhaps no biblical story captures family dysfunction more vividly than the life of Joseph. Jealousy. Favoritism. Lies. Betrayal. Even false imprisonment. If ever a story seemed hopeless, it was his.

Yet Joseph’s response is staggering. After years of betrayal, injustice, and pain, he forgave his brothers. Why? Because he saw something deeper—God at work in the mess. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” That’s not just Joseph’s story—it can be yours, too.

We all have family wounds. Some of us carry deep pain from absent parents, fractured marriages, or harsh words that still echo. Like Joseph’s brothers, guilt may haunt us. Like Joseph himself, bitterness may tempt us. But Scripture reminds us: healing begins with two choices—forgiveness and trust.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. It doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened. It means releasing the right to get even and trusting God to bring good even from what was broken. That’s what Joseph did. And God used him to save not only his family, but a nation.

Maybe you’re like Joseph—wronged and wounded. Or perhaps you’re like his brothers—guilty and afraid. Either way, God is inviting you into redemption. He’s asking you to trust Him. Trust that He can use your pain for a purpose.

Jesus, like Joseph, was betrayed, rejected, and falsely accused. But He chose to forgive—and in doing so, brought salvation to all who receive Him in faith. Through His Spirit, you have the power to do the same.

Every family is imperfect. But it can heal. It can grow. And through God, it can become a testimony of grace.

DIG DEEPER
Read “What Does the Bible Say About Family Problems?” at GotQuestions.org