¹⁵Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers were worried. They said, “Remember all of the bad things we did to Joseph? What if he decides to hold those things against us? What if he pays us back for them?”

¹⁶So they sent a message to Joseph. They said, “Your father gave us directions before he died. ¹⁷He said, ‘Here’s what you must say to Joseph. Tell him, “I’m asking you to forgive your brothers. Forgive the terrible things they did to you. Forgive them for treating you so badly.” ’ Now then, please forgive our sins. We serve the God of your father.”

When their message came to Joseph, he sobbed.

¹⁸Then his brothers came and threw themselves down in front of him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

¹⁹But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Do you think I’m God? ²⁰You planned to harm me. But God planned it for good. He planned to do what is now being done. He wanted to save many lives.

²¹“So then, don’t be afraid. I’ll provide for you and your children.” He set them free from their fears. And he spoke in a kind way to them.

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Genesis 50:20: 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.