“You, O Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5)
By Laurie Primavera
The ability to forgive others requires us to receive God’s gift of forgiveness in our own lives. But if we’re faced with the pain of betrayal at the hands of a coworker, the journey can be difficult to bear.
When I relocated to accept a new job, I fulfilled a dream to live and work by the ocean. I subsequently developed a friendship with a coworker and together, we shared our frustration about how the CEO of our company treated staff. I never imagined she would repeat our conversation with my boss. Other managers had cautioned me that she was untrustworthy, yet I trusted her. When the CEO stopped talking to me, I realized her betrayal.
This situation brought back something I experienced as a young hospice nurse. I had the privilege of working with a nun, and she furthered my faith journey by leading me to a silent retreat where I learned to pray in a deeper and more meaningful manner. Simultaneously, I left an unhealthy marriage, leading me to pray fervently for forgiveness. Then, I was able to collaborate with a Christian mentor who helped me experience a true sense of forgiveness.
With the betrayal by my coworker, I once again took a moment for reflection and quiet prayer. I was forced to wait on the Lord and trust that he would lead me in a new direction. Miraculously, after several weeks of sleepless nights, I was hired for a different job. Forgiving myself and the coworker helped me move forward with a different outlook. My sense of freedom from guilt and/or anger reminded me that God’s greatest gift to his faithful results in a life filled with blessings and joy!
Pray
Father, thank you for the gift of forgiveness that has set me free. Fill me with your spirit that I may forgive others as Christ has instructed.
Reflect
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you begin that journey so that you can live more joyfully?
Discuss
Read Psalm 41:9. Has there been a time when a coworker “has turned against” you? How did you handle that betrayal? How can the forgiveness exhibited by Jesus help you forgive others?
Laurie Primavera has been a nurse and health care leader for the last 30 years, overseeing outpatient programs such as hospice and home health. She currently coordinates a Stephen Ministry program at her church.