Essay On Forgiveness And Reconciliation

Forgive and Move Forward

Forgiveness is a critical aspect that every Christian leader must learn. In our daily life we all experience a situation that creates animosity and discontent towards another person. No matter who is right or wrong, harboring feelings of contempt and anger are sure ways to make your life miserable. It is vital that we as Christian’s take the time to learn the importance of forgiving and reconciliation. In order to grow and prevent future conflicts, we must learn absolve and settle past situations. This paper will compare and contrast the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation when resolving conflicts as Christian leaders.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is discussed throughout the bible and is one of the greatest life lessons that God teaches us when dealing with conflicts. Imagine living by the saying an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. If we followed this, everyone in the world would be blind and toothless. God forgave us and He has given us the ability to forgive others. Emotional and physical pain caused by others can affect our ability to truly forgive. Most of the time we want to let our

feelings of anger, hatred and resentment affect our judgment, which is the worst thing as leaders we can do. Anger is a natural reaction, but it is also a sin. We have to forgive each other as God forgave us and not allow the devil to take control of our feelings (Ephesians 4:26). When we forgive, we let go of our bad feelings and can allow the reconciliation process to start.
Reconciliation
The tough thing about reconciliation is that it can only happen if both parties are willing to forgive and resolve their differences. However, once true forgiveness happens between all parties, the reconciliation process blossoms. When people realize they are not perfect, they gain the ability to stop the madness and return back to building healthy relationships (Smalley, 2007). As Christian leaders we must understand the importance of ensuring reconciliation happens as it will repair the broken relationship as well as rebuild the broken trust that occurred. All parties must use active listening skills with reconciliation. In doing so, it will prove that they are truly trying to resolve the conflict and put the past behind.
Differences between Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The biggest difference between forgiveness and reconciliation is that forgiveness can happen without reconciliation.

However, reconciliation does not truly start until forgiveness occurs. Sometimes the issue that happened can be because of a dysfunctional behavior or inexperience, but no matter why it is important to forgive and move forward (Harvard Business Essentials, 2004). Just because one person does the right thing and forgives someone does not mean the other person will forgive in return. Christian leaders need to set an example to their employees as well as teach them the value that forgiveness and reconciliation. This will create cohesiveness in the organization, as well as help return harmony to their life. It takes a lot for someone to put their feelings aside and make the effort to start this vital

process.
Conclusion
Jesus was placed on this earth to die for our sins, which is the ultimate forgiveness and reconciliation process. Christian leaders must understand and teach their employees the importance of these life skills to ensure the organization continues to grow and prosper. Strive for harmony in life and show humility to others so they may see God in our life (Hebrews 12: 14). Overall, forgiveness and reconciliation go hand in hand and are needed for organizations to succeed as well as individuals to mature.