Word for the day: “Leaders, Forgiveness matters.”
Genesis 45:1 (NIV) Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So, there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Good morning Leaders,
Today’s message is one that is near and dear to my heart. Whether you realize the need to forgive yourself and others, forgiveness is paramount to your growth in life. When we embrace true forgiveness, we can move forward in our relationships in a progressive manner. Our relationships with family and friends will not endure the test of time if the people involved are unable to administer forgiveness.
I’ll unpack a few key leadership insights from the proverbial leader Joseph in the Old Testament:
FORGIVENESS IS THE ACTION NEEDED FOR AUTHENTIC RECONCILIATION.
Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness. I’m still learning that forgiveness is an act of grace. Grace means it may not be deserved, but you receive it, you give it, meaning you decide to give it anyway.
I don’t just mean saying the words “I forgive you” but actually relating to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that sincerely demonstrate the grace of sincere forgiveness. If we are not careful, we can, to our detriment, only give voice to forgiveness and experience a short-term element of forgiveness. However, when our act of forgiveness isn’t evidenced by the way we live, love, and handle life, true reconciliation will never reach the intent the Lord purposed for our lives.
Forgiveness, in a true sense, sets all parties involved free from condemnation, remorse, regret, hate, and the vicious cycle of oppression.
FORGIVENESS DOESN’T MEAN THE OFFENSE IS NOT CONSEQUENTIAL.
I have personally discovered that just as important as defining what forgiveness is, we must understand what forgiveness is not. Researchers who study or teach forgiveness make clear that when you forgive, you do not trivialize or deny the seriousness of an offense against you. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean excusing offenses. Forgiveness can help reconcile a damaged relationship, but it doesn’t obligate you to reconcile with the person who harmed you or release them from personal accountability. When I speak on forgiveness, I know that I will speak to a real need in people’s lives. Everyone has been hurt deeply by someone else, maybe a parent, a spouse, a relative, a sibling, a close friend, a loved one, or perhaps a stranger.
Sometimes, hurt comes from a violation or harmful act. It may have been something that somebody should have done but didn’t. Or maybe it has taken place over many years. It may have happened in a moment.
Why does the Lord value forgiveness so highly in our lives? I have discovered personally that forgiveness reflects God’s character. When we forgive, we reflect on the heavenly Father’s grace and love.
The standard is this: “Forgive as God has forgiven you”. Would you believe, forgiveness gives us the opportunity to extend to others what God has extended to each of us. Forgiveness not only releases us physically and emotionally, but it also releases us Spiritually. An unforgiving heart is one of the greatest barriers to living an effective life in the power of spiritual vitality. We are released and have the power to release others from the confining oppression that is a stronghold of unforgiveness.
Lastly, unforgiveness is ultimately a destructive force that prevents each of us from reaching God’s plan, purpose, and potential in our destiny.
Quote-Nelson Mandela: “Forgiveness liberates the soul; that is why it is such a powerful weapon.”
POINT TO PONDER
When we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive, we will waste years and experience broken hearts in our lives. Remember that you, your family, your friends, and even your foes need your willingness to forgive and be set free.
Today's passage on the life of Joseph and his brothers has touched my life in an amazing way. Forgiveness is an act of God's grace that we can all experience. Joseph forgave his brothers by the grace of God, and what an amazing outcome! Read (Genesis Chapters 37-50) and see for yourself.
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Kingdom Blessings,