For the Workplace
Forgiveness
Letting go of grudges to restore my own well being
Forgiveness helps restore relationships and reduce tension in the workplace.
When people let go of grudges and choose to move forward, collaboration becomes easier and emotional energy is freed for productive work. Forgiveness builds a culture where mistakes become opportunities for growth rather than barriers.
Essay
Choosing to Forgive
By Mary Andres Russell
Do you ever hold a grudge? Think about it for a minute. Who comes to mind for you?
A while back, I had a falling out with a friend. On the very same day, I had an accident. While running at full speed, our 80 lb., unbelievably fast dog, ran into me, knocking me down and badly bruising my leg.
My old friend and I have made our apologies, and I feel as though I have let the pain and disappointment of that day go. But do you know, after many months, the mark on my leg is still there. It’s faint, but there is still a bump and darkening under the skin.
What makes us hold on to this stuff? Is it truly just human nature? Why don’t we just let it go? I have heard a person say that she is very good at holding grudges. One person told me that if someone wrongs him, he purposefully takes revenge!
While difficult, I believe we are called to be better than that. We are called to forgive.
In October of 2006, a milk truck driver, Charlie Roberts, entered a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and systematically shot 10 Amish girls aged 6-13. He then shot himself.
Ironically, Roberts himself suffered from intense grief from the premature death of his young daughter. What is most remarkable is the response of the Amish community to this horrible crime. They did not lay blame or seek revenge. Instead, that very afternoon, the grandfather of one of the Amish girls expressed forgiveness toward the killer. The Amish community reached out to the Roberts family. Later that week, the Amish outnumbered the non-Amish at Charlie Roberts’ funeral. What strength. What forgiveness.
Is there a grudge that you’ve been holding onto? Is there some dark mark under your skin? This month is the time to release it. Spend some quiet time in nature or alone, look into your heart, and choose to release that anger and pain. The world will be a brighter place for it.
Affirmations for the Workplace
I am quick to release resentment to focus on productive solutions.
I apologize when needed to create a positive work environment.
I use forgiveness to better understand those I work with.
I choose peace and let go of the need to retaliate to stay focused on team goals.
I choose actions that reflect my character, not my hurt to support a healthy team culture.
Forgiveness Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the workplace to encourage the Character Quality of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness Quotes
Looking for reminders that Forgiveness makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Forgiveness Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.
