As part of my weekly LYBLABCs series — which rolls-out a core value aligned to Oprah’s Live Your Best Life philosophy found in O, the Oprah Magazine — here’s the latest virtue!
F is for Forgiveness!
Sweet charity, from wealth to wishes. Forgiveness rules a generous heart and an open hand.
Whatever the past may have meant to you, put it to rest and start fresh. Don’t give your pardons away too easily, but don’t hold a grudge. Treat those who’ve asked for forgiveness with kindness.
The biblical story of Joseph reminds us of the power and charity of forgiveness. Joseph was sold into slavery by his twelve brothers who resented him for being his father’s favorite, and soon after, he was falsely sent to prison. While jailed, King Pharaoh of Egypt sent for him after having a strange dream and hearing that he had a great gift for interpreting them. Joseph said that the dream foretold of a great famine to strike Pharaoh’s kingdom, and told him to grow corn for seven years and build warehouses to store it in.
The king obeyed the humble slave.
Seven years later, just like Joseph had predicted, a great famine spread across Egypt. The king was so thankful for Joseph’s vision that he made him a ruler, and gave him chariots and robes.
One day, a group of men came from a faraway land to buy corn from the king’s reserves. It was Joseph’s brothers. Joseph returned good for evil, organized a great feast, and sent them home with as much corn and grain as they could carry.
It’s a powerful message of clemency. Turn the other cheek, and do good unto those who’ve offended you.
Vengeance is a dangerous game. Don’t play it willingly. It often doesn’t turn out how you’d imagined.
Forgive…and may you receive as good as you give!
