One of the hardest things to do in life is to forgive and hold it against that person no more. Reconciled relationships are key to restoration of relationships. Leaders need to be looking for opportunities to renew relationships. With egos and hurt, it is often much easier to let go and think it is better for all to just walk away. The truth is, many of us internalize the conflict or misunderstanding. We often look at the challenge selfishly. It is very easy for leaders to have selfish attitudes and walk away from any culpability. Leaders must understand God has made everyone different and with different needs and desires. Leaders are good at integrating diversity of thought and passions of the followers into the overall dream and vision of the leader themselves. In our home, we had a family verse our children were taught to memorize and recite whenever bitter, angry, or spiteful reactions raised their ugly heads in a strained relationship. Whenever we saw bitterness start to build in the hearts of our children, we would say, “What is the family verse?” They would quickly recite Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate (tender hearted) to one another, forgiving each other, just as God for Christ sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 Great leadership puts aside its own pride. Fear is often the reason leaders do not reconcile. This reaction either stirs us to fight or take flight. We either confront, often harshly, or we run away and sheepishly try to ignore the festering hurt. Whenever resolving conflict, humility is always the best course of action. The role of humility in reconciliation is so very important. It is not easy. But with God’s power, it can be accomplished. Colossians 3:12 “Put on then as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.” Conflict is very apparent in today’s world. The leader can either take flight and deny or attack with heated blame and even outright assault. Think about it; instead of going higher to higher ground, gently engage and become a peacemaker. Strive to go after lasting solutions. 1. Identify relationships that need to be mended. 2. What boundaries need to be established and what walls need to be torn down? 3. Have you been trying to settle a score and fighting fire with fire? Do you understand the path of forgiveness makes your walk through life easier and more peaceful? Freedom! 4. Jesus death on the cross was for forgiveness of our sin, which gives us the ability to live above the power of sin. He will set you free. He loves you so much.