Imagine a workplace, such as a local food bank or a corporate setting, and for an unidentified reason, the day-to-day tension is palpable. Sharp-tongued words lash out between coworkers, whispers & gossiping runs rampant, text messages sting with innuendoes, & productivity is down. Could the reason have an identity? What is the one underlying, deep-seated root of bitterness & resentment that can flow from personal or interpersonal conflicts, unleash itself in professional settings, & impede healthy relationships? Unforgiveness. The last words in these matters should not be, “I will never forgive him/her as long as I live. Never.”
We’ve all been there. A person or event in your life has you stuck in the un-forgiveness zone. Emphasis on the word “stuck” because unforgiveness is a hindrance, an obstacle, and a burden. It is meant to cripple a person from moving forward. Unfortunately, unforgiveness can become a challenge & a struggle simply because you choose to make it so. Un-forgiveness can handicap relationships, hinder creativity, and stymie one’s freedom. Un-forgiveness, whether overt or hidden, impedes your decision-making skills, affects your thinking, & can corrode your daily interactions with others. Of utmost importance, un-forgiveness hinders your faith walk. Un-forgiveness is not an ideal zone for any Limitless Leader.
Thank God there is a flip side. Amazingly, forgiveness is also a choice. Easy, maybe not. Doable, yes. Think of it this way – Because of God’s unconditional love for you (even when you did not deserve it), He exhibited & extended forgiveness. It is truly all about His love.
Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Colossians 3:12-13 HCSB
Forgiveness is essential. Forgiveness is a gift not only for the one you need to forgive but also, for yourself Jesus addressed the infinite nature of forgiveness in Matthew 18:22 (HCSB), “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.”Let’s just keep on forgiving & do so immediately and intentionally. In other words, forgiveness is limitless, and no limits should be placed on it.
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