Hebrews 12:15 NIV

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Genesis 37:2-4

This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

Genesis 45:1-7

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

RELEASING OUR HURT

1. CHOOSE to forgive.

Matthew 6:15 NIV

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

2. HOLD the GUILTY accountable.

3. Remember the 828 promise.

4. Release the right to RETALIATE.

5. RESTORE TRUST as merited.

6. Take a step of faith and EXPRESS KINDNESS.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Resource Recommended: Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall

- See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/07/the-story-joseph/#sthash.9HpAB4Sx.dpuf

Genesis 12:3 (NIV): I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/07/the-story-god-builds-a-nation/#sthash.zRCowIjd.dpuf

Genesis 1:1-2 (NIV) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/07/the-story-creation/#sthash.qvJk0oWN.dpuf

James 1:12-15 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

- See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/06/life-apps-temptation-navigation/#sthash.DH6OdS4n.dpuf

James 1:1-8, 12 NIV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Romans 8:29 NIV

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 10:24-26 NIV

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,

- See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/06/life-apps-obstacle-course-trainer/#sthash.B2jiPrrD.dpuf - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/06/life-apps-obstacle-course-trainer/#sthash.B2jiPrrD.dpuf

James 1:19-21 (NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/06/life-apps-anger-management/#sthash.tekV15HT.dpuf

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/06/life-apps-finance-trader/#sthash.SYduu4wz.dpuf

Proverbs 18:9 NIV

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. - See more at: http://victoryhighway.com/2013/05/life-apps-job-search/#sthash.N5ZZBf6j.dpuf

Proverbs 18:21 NIV

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

James 3:1-12 NIV

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

What’s next? TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT YOU SAY!

Prayer: God, today I am surrendering my mouth because I recognize that it’s a loaded weapon. I want my heart to be yours, so my mouth reflects you; but I can’t do this on my own. I will abide with you and let you work on me so that I won’t use sarcasm, foul language, or critical words. I won’t let my mouth be something that dishonors you or dishonors others. Amen.

James 4:4-10 (NIV)

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.