nothing to forgive

In qualities and disposition rare
Young Joseph doubtless was superior
To all his brothers so said human sense.
He dreamed his brethren would bow down to him.
Unwisely spoke of it and told his dream.
This cost him dear: his brothers hated him
For this and him their father's gift of love.
They cast him in a pit: then, sensing gain,
They sold him into bondage. But God's love
Was watching over Joseph through dark days
Of exile, prison, treachery, neglect.
In spite of all, God brought him safely through
For His own glory and to serve His plan,
For he had qualities that God could use
To bring deliverance to his fellow man.
In time of famine, alter bitter drought,
His brothers, needing corn, were forced to come
And bow before him, reaping of his store
Of God's abundance. Little did they know
His love had waited for this chance to bless.
As yet unknown to them, he gave them food.
The bread of Life, Love's truth of brotherhood:
No thought of condemnation or revenge,
No harsh reminder of their past misdeeds.
But a forgiveness, and a love so full
And so divine it broke the chains of hate
That once had bound and separated them
From him and from the fatherhood of God.
They were not even to reproach themselves
That they had sold him thither, years ago,
For God had meant it for their good that he
Should go before them to preserve their life.
Since God knows only good of all His sons,
His image, man, has nothing to forgive!