"The greatest two words in my vocabulary are Jesus and forgiveness."
—Charlie "Tremendous" Jones
As Easter approaches, we are reminded of the most extraordinary act of leadership and love the world has ever known. Jesus Christ didn't just preach forgiveness—He embodied it. On the cross, He didn't demand payback. He gave His life. He nailed it—our sin, our shame, our pain—to the wood. He did it for you, for me, for all of us.
This Easter season, I have the tremendous honor of participating in the He Nailed It Cross Unveiling hosted by Servants Oasis. This powerful event invites people to physically hammer a nail into a cross as a symbolic act—leaving behind guilt, bitterness, regret, or grief that Christ already paid for.
It's a moment of surrender. Of release. Of renewal.
If you live in the Harrisburg area, I hope you will join us or support this incredible event. It's a visual, tangible, holy experience, and I'd love to see you there.
Forgiveness: The Greatest Leadership Move
Forgiveness isn't just a personal virtue—it's a professional imperative. If you lead people, you must learn to release offenses—yours and theirs. Forgiveness is one of the most strategic leadership traits you'll ever develop.
Unforgiveness limits leadership. It clouds vision, slows decision-making, and corrodes trust. But forgiveness? It unlocks clarity, compassion, and courage.
In Forgiveness Is Tremendous, my father, Charlie "T" Jones, wrote:
"When Jesus forgives you, you are forgiven, really forgiven, totally forgiven, and completely forgiven. So why would you try to forgive yourself when He has already done it?"
That kind of spiritual clarity changes everything. When leaders understand they've been truly forgiven, they stop leading from fear and start leading from freedom.
Jesus Didn't Wait—and Neither Should We
Forgiveness isn't about forgetting. It's about releasing. Jesus didn't wait for Zacchaeus to repent, lecture the woman at the well, or shame Peter after his denial. He led with connection and called them into redemption.
"Jesus was not looking for an opportunity to be righteous; He was looking for an opportunity to be gracious."
That's what makes Christian leadership different. It's not power over—it's grace through. It's not about covering your record—it's about uncovering healing.
Forgiveness Transforms Culture
Organizations and teams thrive in environments where truth can be spoken, and mistakes don't define a person's future. Research from the University of Michigan confirms this:
"Forgiving organizations experience more trusting alliances, social capital, productivity, quality, customer care, and a sense of calling among employees."
When leaders model forgiveness, they allow others to tell the truth, take ownership, and grow. Forgiveness is not softness—it's soil. It's the place where trust, creativity, and loyalty grow.
Practical Applications for Leaders
If you're serious about embedding forgiveness into your leadership style, here are four ways to start:
🔹 Self-Reflection
Acknowledge personal mistakes and embrace self-forgiveness, recognizing that imperfection is part of the human experience. Leaders who are honest about their own humanity invite growth in others.
🔹 Open Communication
Foster an environment where team members feel safe to admit errors without fear of harsh judgment. Cultures built on honesty outperform cultures built on hiding.
🔹 Empathy Development
Strive to understand others' perspectives and motivations. Forgiveness becomes natural when we see people through the lens of compassion instead of judgment.
🔹 Policy Implementation
Build restorative practices into your systems—not just punitive ones. Create pathways for reconciliation, learning, and re-engagement. The goal isn't just correction—it's connection.
By embedding forgiveness into the fabric of leadership, individuals can cultivate resilient, innovative, and cohesive teams. When you forgive, you don't lose control. You reclaim clarity. You set a new tone. You elevate your influence.
He Nailed It—So You Don't Have To
Forgiveness isn't about erasing what happened. It's about releasing what's been holding you back.
This Easter, I invite you to reflect on what Christ already did on your behalf. Whether it's a decision, a regret, a betrayal, or a long-held burden—nail it to the cross.
Not just as a symbol. But as a surrender.
Because He nailed it. And it is finished.
