C.J.Lewis Essay "Forgiveness"
C.J Lewis Essay: “Forgiveness”
Forgiveness in Personal life:
Forgiveness is a superior moral trait and has great reward for the one who forgives. Forgiveness is one of the moral traits recommended in the Quran: Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (Qur'an, 7: 199).In another verse Allah commands: "They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an, 24:22) Those who do not abide by the moral values God has commanded find it very difficult to forgive others. Because, they are easily angered by any error committed. God knows that forgiveness is not a very easy thing to do and sometimes it is very hard, that is why HE has declared it as a very superior deed. “The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah” (Qur'an, 42:40).
Even though many people may say they have forgiven someone who has offended them, it nevertheless takes a long time to free themselves of the hatred and anger in their hearts. Their behavior tends to betray that anger and it destroys relationships. I believe if forgiveness isn’t granted from heart in good faith, its not complete forgiveness. Words are worthless if actions don’t follow.
Forgiveness in Workplace:
At the organization level forgiveness is associated with higher morale and satisfaction, greater social capital, trust, and caring relationships. Forgiveness does not require abandoning anger or resentment, nor does it require pardoning or dismissing the offense. It involves acknowledging and reframing negative feelings and attitudes.
Forgiving organizations experience more trusting alliances, productivity, quality, customer care, and a sense of calling among employees. Forgiveness is active not passive. It involves not only the cancellation of negative emotions and attitudes, but also the development of positive emotions and attitudes.
Forgiveness in Personal life:
Forgiveness is a superior moral trait and has great reward for the one who forgives. Forgiveness is one of the moral traits recommended in the Quran: Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (Qur'an, 7: 199).In another verse Allah commands: "They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an, 24:22) Those who do not abide by the moral values God has commanded find it very difficult to forgive others. Because, they are easily angered by any error committed. God knows that forgiveness is not a very easy thing to do and sometimes it is very hard, that is why HE has declared it as a very superior deed. “The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah” (Qur'an, 42:40).
Even though many people may say they have forgiven someone who has offended them, it nevertheless takes a long time to free themselves of the hatred and anger in their hearts. Their behavior tends to betray that anger and it destroys relationships. I believe if forgiveness isn’t granted from heart in good faith, its not complete forgiveness. Words are worthless if actions don’t follow.
Forgiveness in Workplace:
At the organization level forgiveness is associated with higher morale and satisfaction, greater social capital, trust, and caring relationships. Forgiveness does not require abandoning anger or resentment, nor does it require pardoning or dismissing the offense. It involves acknowledging and reframing negative feelings and attitudes.
Forgiving organizations experience more trusting alliances, productivity, quality, customer care, and a sense of calling among employees. Forgiveness is active not passive. It involves not only the cancellation of negative emotions and attitudes, but also the development of positive emotions and attitudes.