Genesis 45:1 to 45:15 Because God forgives us, we can choose to forgive others and share peace instead of holding anger. See how Joseph revealed his true identity to his astonished brothers. Learn that Joseph chose to forgive his brothers instead of punishing them. Practice saying 'I forgive you' when others make mistakes or hurt our feelings. A great famine spread over all the land, and Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain, not knowing his lost son Joseph was governor over the whole country. A Ruler Weeping with Love Years passed, and God made Joseph a wise ruler over all of Egypt. When a severe famine struck, people had no bread to eat. Joseph's brothers traveled all the way to Egypt to buy grain. They bowed down before the governor, not recognizing that the royal leader before them was their little brother Joseph! Joseph could not hold back his tears of love any longer. I Am Joseph Your Brother! Joseph asked all the Egyptian officials to leave the room. Then he wept aloud and said: 'I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?' His brothers were terrified and could not answer, remembering how terribly they had treated him years ago. But Joseph spoke gently: 'Come close to me. Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.' Hugs, Tears, and Forgiveness Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept with joy, and Benjamin wept too. Then Joseph kissed all his brothers and wept over them with pure forgiveness. Instead of punishing them or keeping angry thoughts, Joseph gave them food, wagons, and a beautiful home in Egypt. God had turned their past mistakes into a way to save the whole family. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 What did Joseph do when he revealed himself to his brothers? He put them in prison He wept with joy and told them: I am Joseph! He sent them away hungry He took their clothes He wept with joy and told them: I am Joseph! Joseph wept with deep love and revealed that he was their brother. How did Joseph treat his brothers who had hurt him in the past? He punished them severely He forgave them with love and fed them He refused to speak to them He took all their money He forgave them with love and fed them Joseph chose forgiveness and kindness, showing God's amazing love. What should we do when someone hurts our feelings or makes a mistake? Hold anger forever Forgive them just as God forgives us Yell at them loudly Never talk to anyone Forgive them just as God forgives us God wants us to be kind and forgive others, just as Jesus forgives our sins. If a brother, sister, or classmate upsets you this week, say gently: 'I forgive you; let us play happily together.' Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving all our mistakes. When others are unkind to us, help our hearts to be soft, kind, and ready to forgive just like Joseph. Amen. Why was it so wonderful that Joseph forgave his brothers instead of punishing them? How does it feel inside when you forgive someone who said something unkind? Teach young children the beauty of choosing forgiveness over anger through Joseph's reunion with his family. Hold two tightly clenched fists, then open them wide into an inviting hug. Discuss the difference between holding anger and opening our hands in love. Is forgiving easy? Explain that while forgiving can feel hard, Jesus gives us his peace and love to help us forgive. 5 minutes hook, 12 minutes story, 8 minutes memory verse, 10 minutes application and prayer.