When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, they were speechless and "dismayed in his presence" (Genesis 45:3). Fear and guilt quickly reminded them of the heartache they had caused their aged father Jacob, as well as their brother. Joseph, sensing what was going on in their hearts, immediately reassured them before the seeds of self-blame could take root. He said, "Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here" (v.5). Joseph knew that God had used his trials for the good of many people.

When we sin and hurt others, we find ourselves in a position similar to that of Joseph’s brothers. It’s then that the Holy Spirit reminds us of the price Jesus paid on the cross for our offenses. He says, in effect, "Don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves."

If you tend to keep blaming yourself after you’ve acknowledged your sins to God, think about what you’re doing. You are keeping alive the memory of your sins by your anger at yourself. To overcome this, focus on the Savior, not on your sin. Think about what He has done, not what you have done. Because Jesus forgives your sin, you can "forget" your sin.  — Dennis J. De Haan