Good Morning!

Happy Friday! The boulder’s at the top. Way to go! Remember: I take requests on topics, so there’s anything you’d want to hear more about, just reply to this email or find us on socials!

Today, we’re going to talk about forgiveness with the wisdom of the man who forgave his killers while on the cross, Jesus Christ. The thought exercise for today is going to be the Release Check. Wrapping the week up, we’ll look at a verse from the Bible about forgiveness.

Have a seat, Thought Breakfast is served!

The idea of religious salvation and punishment is an interesting one. Christianity, beneath the theology, traditions, and rituals, has a very encouraging philosophy on the problem of guilt. Christianity treats guilt very seriously. Many religious people struggle with guilt over things that are simply human. The development of the faith over the last two thousand years has sometimes encouraged this feeling of guilt, but those who look deeper find something different. Guilt is not treated as punishment.

Forgiveness is what breaks the cycle of guilt. Without forgiveness, guilt would trap the human mind forever. Every mistake becomes permanent. Every failure would define us. The past would hang over our heads like a sopping bucket hat (if you know, you know). But the Christian teaching refuses to treat guilt as permanent identity.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus tells the story of two sons and a father. One son asks for his inheritance early (effectively wishing his father dead) and goes to a distant land and wastes all the money recklessly. He eventually comes to himself and returns back home. Before he can even finish apologizing, the father embraces and celebrates him. The older son, who remained loyal and obedient the whole time, becomes jealous and angry at the celebration.

The father represents God’s eagerness to accept sinners back. The older brother, in my humble opinion, represents the danger of self-righteousness.

The point is, forgiveness opens up the possibility of transformation after that recognition of wrongdoing. It allows a person to step out of guilt and back into life. Many people carry guilt long after its lesson has already been learned. At some point, guilt stops being corrective and starts becoming a burden. Forgiveness breaks that cycle. It doesn’t pretend that a misstep or mistake never happened, but allows a person to move forward instead of remaining trapped in the past.

Ask yourself:

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” — (Matthew 6:14)

Forgiveness interrupts the cycle of guilt. Without forgiveness, mistakes would permanently define us. Responsibility still matters, but guilt does not have to become identity. Forgiveness allows the possibility of new beginnings.

Munch on that for today. Have a great weekend, and come back on Monday for another brand new, steaming hot week of Thought Breakfast!

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

Sign Up Free

Thank you for reading along with us today! If you enjoy this content, and want to start your days grounded in thought and mindfulness, I suggest you have a seat at our table! Smash that button below to check out more editions and subscribe!

Remember to stay mindful, smell the flowers, and take it easy.

Chef Ricky - Thought Breakfast