Power of Forgiveness: Healing Journey to Redemption

Introduction

Throughout the process of completing this assignment, I have come to realize the profound importance and power of forgiveness in our lives as humans. It becomes apparent that one cannot compel others to forgive, nor can they coerce themselves into forgiving someone else. Reflecting on a particular experience in my life, I recognize that forgiveness can be both challenging and surprisingly straightforward. This memory takes me back to my part-time job after completing my SPM exams, a journey filled with a mix of happiness, gratitude, sadness, and, perhaps most significantly, forgiveness.

Power of Forgiveness in My Life

I vividly recall a night when I was working at a bakery, and a couple approached me with a loaf of bread they had purchased that morning, claiming it was moldy. Intrigued by this, as it seemed improbable given our practice of producing fresh bread daily without any leftovers, I examined the bread closely. To my astonishment, the bread did indeed appear to be moldy. Seeking confirmation, I showed the bread to my colleague on the same shift, and they too concurred that it looked moldy. Unable to resolve the issue as a junior employee, I promptly informed my manager about the situation. Following a series of events, he resolved the matter and provided compensation to the couple.

While I believed the incident had concluded, it turned out to be far from over. Following the occurrence, my manager's demeanor towards me underwent a significant change. Whenever he encountered me, I could sense his negative sentiments, which seemed to be directed exclusively at me. A fellow supervisor informed me that the manager had faced repercussions during a meeting with the boss due to the moldy bread incident, potentially explaining his animosity towards me. However, from my perspective, I was merely a junior staff member, lacking the experience to manage such situations like a seasoned supervisor. This situation left me bewildered and frustrated with my manager. On numerous occasions, I contemplated asking him about his behavior, convinced that his conduct was unforgivable.

Healing Power of Apology and Forgiveness

Driven by these thoughts, I communicated with him through WhatsApp, questioning his actions towards me. He admitted that he had initially blamed me for his reprimand by the boss. However, upon reflection, he realized his error and sincerely apologized for his unjust treatment. I was taken aback by his honesty and willingness to seek forgiveness. Our conversation concluded with me acknowledging his apology and forgiving him for his actions.

This experience led me to a profound realization: forgiving others is not as arduous as it may seem. Despite my initial belief that my manager's behavior was beyond forgiveness, his recognition of his mistake and sincere apology dismantled the anger and resentment I had harbored. People often unintentionally display negativity or make errors, but when they acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek amends, forgiveness becomes a possibility. Society should emphasize the importance of forgiving others and extending understanding to those who err, allowing room for apologies. Too often, I witness instances where individuals refuse to grant the opportunity for apology and immediately resort to criticism. Embracing forgiveness can ease life's burdens, whereas hatred and anger only amplify them.

Conclusion

In the future, when I wrong someone, I am committed to admitting my mistake and earnestly seeking their forgiveness. I also plan to encourage my younger siblings to forgive those who wrong them, and to extend a chance for change. Furthermore, if they make mistakes, I will emphasize the significance of apologizing to rectify their actions. Additionally, I intend to volunteer for community programs, particularly those involving orphanages, where I can educate children about the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of compassion. My hope is that they will grow up in an environment characterized by reduced animosity and enriched with love and forgiveness, contributing to the development of their character and fostering a more harmonious world.

Works Cited

1. Enright, Robert D., et al. 'The Forgiving Life: Acceptance, Hope, and Resilience.' American Psychological Association, 2012.
2. Clinton, Timothy E., Hart, Archibald D., & Ohlschlager, George. 'Caring for People God's Way: Personal and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma.' Thomas Nelson, 2005.