The content of my weekly blogs is drawn primarily from ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, while the 2020 format was inspired by James Clear’s “3-2-1” Thursdays. Building from my recent book UNBEATABLE! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence, each week you will receive One Pillar/Proverb, One Principle and One Practical.
One Proverb
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.”
One Principle
“You must be joking, Tyrone! What do you mean that I should overlook an offence? You were going fine with the sections on wisdom and patience, hard as the latter could sometimes be. You lost me, though, when you got to that part about overlooking offences.”
If it’s one thing that we are guaranteed to face in this life, it’s wrongdoing. Someone will hurt you, insult you, disrespect you, ignore you or rub you the wrong way. It’s inevitable, because we live in a broken, fallen and imperfect world. That is why the ancient wisdom principle of overlooking an offence is so powerful. It turns the tide, changes the narrative and opens the door to healing and reconciliation.
We must learn to let some things go, not everything, but some things. Making the relationship right is much more valuable than being right. The energy and emotion used up in proving your point could be better utilized in making deposits into the emotional bank account. Forgive the person who offended you and let it go. Chances are, you will need someone to do the same for you, when you mess up.
One Practical
During the course of the next seven days, contact at least one person at your home, work, school, team, family, spiritual community or elsewhere with whom you have had an unresolved disagreement and tell them: “I forgive you. I’m ready for us to move forward.”
To learn more about these pillars of personal excellence, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 4 Comments
When you strive to overlook offences, people consider tou weak and a whimp. Everything doesnt need to be a quarrel but some people show their strength of character that way and they are admired for it. We have to hope upon reflection that the good, better, best principle will kick in over time and forgiveness is the only path because we all need it. Carrying heavy baggages is unnecessary and will give you a bent back in the near distant future. I am learning there are more important things in life to battle and to focus more on the end goal – peace, resolve, example and love. Thank you.
This was well expressed Michelle. I appreciate the big picture perspective that you are endorsing and the encouragement to value forgiveness and reconciliation.
Some people says I can forgive but I don’t forget. I think that forgetting is where true forgiveness resides. Our behaviour is fashioned by our environment. If we are in a spiritual environment where the act of forgiveness is cultured then everyone should understand the behaviour. Where this is not practiced, it is seen as a weakness.
Forgiveness is a Godlike action and if we are not God like then we are unable to understand what is true forgiveness.
Well said Mushtaque. I love your point about being in an environment where forgiveness and grace are practised. Thank you.