The Bible urges us to forgive - totally. It is very surprising, therefore, to learn that ther is no teaching of this kind for forgiveness in Judaisim.

Last time we read together we covered three lessons learned from Joseph's example. Here are four more.

What lessons about total forgiveness can the example of Joseph teach us?

The story of Joesph provides a heart-searching frame of reference by showing us how he was able to totally forgive his brothers.

We don't have to refuse to take a wrong seriously or pretend that we weren't hurt by it. But forgiveness is necessary and it's painful.

Forgiveness is not approving, justifying or pardoning what they did to hurt you.

One must totally forgive those who will not be reconciled. It must happen in the heart, and when it does, peace emerges - with or without a complete restoration of the relationship. What matters is that the Holy Spirit is able to dwell in us ungrieved, able to be utterly Himself.