“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” — Corrie Ten Boom
“If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
At times, forgiveness may feel impossible yet God’s Word emphasizes its importance. Why is forgiveness such a priority for our heavenly Father? Almost everyone has faced hurt from the actions or words of others. These painful experiences take many forms—like being betrayed by a partner, feeling let down by a family member, or facing criticism from peers. As followers of Jesus, we are called to forgive.
Simply put, forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring or downplaying what happened. Someone has wronged you, and that hurt is real. However, you can choose to forgive without excusing the behavior. Here’s where God’s grace comes in. With a deep relationship with Him, you can cultivate a willingness to forgive. It’s in this willingness that you’ll find the strength to extend forgiveness.
The Leader’s Perspective
As leaders, fostering an environment of growth requires us to embrace forgiveness. When we focus solely on results, it can be easy to judge and dismiss mistakes. But remember, the journey of forgiveness begins with us. Unlike Jesus, no one leads without occasionally falling short. We all make mistakes and sometimes react impulsively, leading to regret. If we’re overly focused on performance and what others think, we may struggle to forgive ourselves and others.
Jesus exemplified the highest standard of forgiveness when He said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) One way to gauge our leadership is by observing how we respond when those we lead fall short of our expectations. It’s essential to recognize that mistakes are part of the growth process. Celebrating progress rather than perfection can make a significant impact.
Forgiving is not our natural instinct when we’re hurt or disappointed; it’s a supernatural act of someone who has chosen to surrender their will and life to God. This conscious choice enables us to extend the same grace we’ve received.
How can you incorporate forgiveness into your life as a leader? Forgiveness manifests in various ways. When we confess our sins to God, His forgiveness lifts us from guilt and shame, empowering us to live like Jesus. Our ability to forgive others stems from the forgiveness we’ve personally received from God. In essence, forgiveness breeds forgiveness. As we let go of past wrongs, we extend God’s grace to those who have hurt us.
Instead of exacting revenge when others hurt you, choose to forgive them. Pray for them and encourage them to embrace their new life in Christ.
Prayer:
Father God, I acknowledge that forgiving others can be challenging. Please help me to release any grudges and extend forgiveness freely. May I enjoy peaceful relationships with those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Michael Okuneye is a certified Facilitator with Lead like Jesus and also the African Representative. Experienced with missions and leadership matters since 1993. He is the Executive Director of Livingword Global leadership Mission; served as a missionary in Niger, Chad and in Nigeria where he resides, training Church Planters and Community Champions to build stronger and transformational churches in Africa. Having raised and trained many leaders in several nations, it has given him the voice in Leadership matters in Nigeria. He served as the Assistant to the National director of Bible league in Chad, later rose to National Head of Operations of Bible League Nigeria before proceeding to advance the course of Leadership and Mission. He is currently the Coordinator of the Teens Church in his local assembly where he raises leaders. As a great motivator, he has encouraged many, coupled with his unique approach to coaching and mentoring lives in diverse fields of specialization, more than 10,000 lives have been affected by his leadership. He is also championing the cause of community development in rural areas for positive changes. He is married to Titilope his best friend and they are blessed with five boys.
