The Power of Forgiveness
The Easter season is a time to reflect on the power of forgiveness. In the business world we are often driven by the spirit of competition, empowerment and financial gain, so much so that we overlook our shortcomings and are led astray. Forgiveness can be a theological issue, deeply rooted in Judeo-Christianity and other belief systems. Rather, in terms of everyday life, forgiveness is an instrumental value that is reinforced through personal ethics and moral principles. It is an intrinsic value that comes from how we perceive right and wrong, the decisions that we make and, our sense of moral turpitude.
The three days of Easter provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the process of forgiveness. The commemoration of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday reminds of our own shortcomings and imperfections. Jesus had already forgiven Judas Iscariot beforehis betrayal and then prayed for protection for his imperfect disciples, including Judas, in the Garden of Gethsemane. On Good Friday, we are reminded that it takes courage and power from above to say “I forgive you” or pray“Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34, New International Version).
Unforgiveness is like the heavy burden of the cross. It weighs us down and prevents us from being the people we are intended to be. Forgiveness lightens our burden. It is a true act of submission, servitude and humility.
On Holy Saturday, we are reminded that forgiveness, in human terms takes time. It does not happen spontaneously. We sometimes have to be entombed by our human failings and our failure to forgive.
Easter Sunday teaches us that forgiveness is powerful. It is miraculous how faith and repentance moves us to emerge and suddenly forgive someone who has disappointed or offended us. The stone has been rolled away. We have risen above our human weakness. Forgiveness provides new hope and new directions for things yet to come.
I am a perfectly imperfect human who has been forgiven morally and spiritually. I have asked for forgiveness numerous times, often, on a daily basis. Do you have the courage to forgive those who have disappointed or offended you? Do you have the courage to ask for forgiveness from those you may have disappointed or offended? Forgiveness is healing and soothing to our weary minds and souls. It is a fresh start-clean and sweet as Spring flowers. It knows no particular season. Forgiveness is a powerful value.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong” (Ghandi).
“The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest” (Qur’an).
“He who refuses to forgive breaks the bridge over which he, too, must cross” (Confucius).
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14, New International Version).
I wish you all the love, joy and peace of forgiveness this Easter and always.
About the Author: Adele S. Busch is the Owner/President/Managing Member of ASB Business Services, LLC. “Business By Personal Invitation”. Adele can be contacted directly at 614-477-2961 or via email: adelesbusch@gmail.com
