From Stripped to Restorer
Scripture:
Genesis 45:22
"He gave each of them changes of clothes..."
Devotional:
This is full-circle redemption. The brothers who once tore the robe off Joseph’s back now stand before him—terrified, exposed, and guilty. But instead of revenge, Joseph offers robes. The very ones who stripped him are now clothed by him.
That’s what forgiveness looks like. That’s what grace does. It not only restores relationship—it restores dignity.
Joseph could’ve held on to the pain. Could’ve punished them. Instead, he chose to reflect the grace of God—the same grace that had carried him through betrayal, slavery, and prison.
Jesus did the same for us. Our sin stripped Him. Our betrayal nailed Him to a cross. But instead of paying us back, He offered us robes of righteousness.
The real test of transformation isn’t just how we wear the robe God gives us—it’s how willing we are to offer robes to others. To forgive. To clothe. To restore.
You’ve been clothed by Christ. Now clothe others with grace.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for not only forgiving me but restoring me. Teach me to forgive like Joseph. Help me to let go of bitterness, to release what I’ve held, and to clothe others with the same mercy You’ve shown me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there someone in your life who once stripped you of something—trust, peace, value—that you need to forgive?
- How does remembering Christ’s forgiveness of you help you forgive others?
- What would it look like for you to “offer a robe” to someone today—restoring instead of resenting?