B-Side - Genesis 43-45

Joseph's brothers were jealous of their father's favoritism toward him, and left him to die, causing him to be sold into Egyptian slavery. After correctly interpreting Pharaoh's dream, he rose to second in command of Egypt. Years later, Joseph invited his estranged brothers for dinner and concocted a scenario that ultimately proved to him that his brothers had changed their ways: one brother, Judah, was willing to sacrifice his life for his brother Benjamin. Joseph then revealed his identity to his brothers, and they repented for what they did to him! They wept together, hugged and kissed, and talked for a long time after.

John 15:13... "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

This story shows the importance of repentance! In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in the upper room, Peter gives a sermon... 3,000 are saved and ask, "what must we do?" Peter answers: "Repent and be baptized!" The first thing when confronted with the truth of the Gospel is to repent! Turn away from wicked ways, and towards God. Forgiveness can be given freely, but actual restoration can only happen with repentance.