Joel Osteen - The Smile of God

About this sermon

Stop holding grudges and start stepping into your promotion by choosing mercy over revenge today. When people hurt you or take advantage of your trust, it is natural to want payback. In this message, Joel Osteen shows how responding with kindness opens the door for God to fight your battles and bring true justice. Discover how Esau chose reconciliation at 06:37 and learn why Joseph chose to nourish the brothers who betrayed him at 19:19. Through the grace of God and the teachings of Jesus, you can break free from bitterness and experience lasting peace. To continue growing in faith, explore related messages like "The Power of I Am" and "Trusting God's Timing" at Lakewood Church. "When you do good to people that don't deserve it, you are being the smile of God." If you are struggling with long-held family grudges, unfair treatment at work, or deep wounds from personal betrayal, this message speaks directly to your pain. Anyone wrestling with how to forgive someone who betrayed you or feeling tempted to get even will find practical spiritual strength here. You will discover how to let go of resentment and step into the breakthrough God has prepared for your life. Q: How should I respond when someone who betrayed me needs help? A: Show mercy and kindness, choosing to help them when you have the advantage, which proves to God that you are ready for greater responsibility, favor, and spiritual promotion. Q: What does the Bible say about getting revenge on enemies? A: Scripture teaches believers to leave vengeance to God, returning good for evil and going the extra mile rather than using power or influence to hurt those who caused harm. Q: How can I overcome bitterness toward family members who wronged me? A: Follow the biblical example of Esau by letting go of past hurts, choosing reconciliation, and trusting that God will bring justice and restore lost years far better than revenge. Q: Why does God allow people to mistreat us without instant consequences? A: Moments of unfair treatment serve as character tests to prove whether you can handle influence without becoming vindictive, clearing the path for God to elevate your life higher. Q: How does showing forgiveness impact my children and future generations? A: Living out mercy sets a powerful lifelong example for your family, breaking cycles of hostility and teaching your children how to walk in God's peace, favor, and righteousness. 1. Genesis 33:10 - Seeing a forgiving smile reflects the comforting grace of God. 2. Matthew 5:40 - Responding to unfair demands with extra generosity shows true faith. 3. Joel 2:25 - God promises to fully restore every year stolen by mistreatment. 4. Genesis 50:20 - God turns intentional evil into divine purpose and ultimate blessing. 00:00 How to respond when people treat you unfairly 01:34 What to do when you have the advantage over an enemy 03:34 How showing undeserved mercy releases the smile of God 05:11 How Esau chose forgiveness over revenge with Jacob 07:49 Why turning the tables is a test of your character 10:04 How your response to betrayal impacts your children 12:27 Trusting God to make up for unfair situations 14:31 How Joseph overcame betrayal to save his brothers 20:49 Why showing kindness to enemies releases divine favor 23:27 How letting go of grudges restores broken family relationships If you are in need of prayer today, our ministry team would love to stand in faith with you. Reach out to us here: https://joelosteen.com/prayer Subscribe to receive weekly messages of hope, encouragement, and inspiration from Joel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvxWyn4rfcI2H9APhfUIB1Q?sub_confirmation=1 Follow #JoelOsteen on social X: https://twitter.com/joelosteen Instagram: https://instagram.com/joelosteen Facebook: https://facebook.com/joelosteen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joelosteen Thank you for your generosity! To give, visit https://joelosteen.com/give #JoelOsteen #Forgiveness #Mercy #Faith #OvercomingBitterness