Motive from fear, guilt and/or regret
(NASB) Genesis 50:15 “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!’”

God sees and knows the motives of our words and actions.

Why does anyone try and hide?  No one can hide from God.  We can hide from being honest with ourselves and with others, but not from God.

Is it time to admit our real motives – first of all, to God Himself, secondly to ourselves and if needed, to others.

Ten brothers personally related a message to Joseph.
(NASB) Genesis 50:16-17 “So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father charged before he died, saying,
17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, ‘Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.’…”

Honesty is courageous when confessing sins to God and to others who were sinned against.
 Is my confession made to soothe my conscience or do I truly want a new and lasting relationship to take place? Are my honest motives driving me to repentance?

Meaningful repentance by Joseph’s brothers
(NASB) Genesis 50:17 “…‘And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.’”

Changed lives are revealed through true repentance and seeking forgiveness for wrongs done in the distant past.

Changed lives prove true repentance
(NASB) Genesis 50:17 “… And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.”

Ten brothers acknowledged their guilt, their sin against their brother, Joseph.
Whenever anyone seeks my forgiveness because of wrong done against me, do I weep?  Or do I gloat?

What is my honest motive in forgiving another?

~ Take it to heart ~

Honest motives – a changed life will change motives.