Trevin Wax gives an account in which Abraham Lincoln suffers a great offense, and later includes the offender in his cabinet, making a dear friend of an enemy.
Edwin Stanton supplanted Lincoln as lawyer in a law case, making his disdain of Lincoln’s professional skills and person known in ways very hurtful and humiliating to Lincoln.
The next time Lincoln and Stanton shook hands, Lincoln was president. But instead of holding Stanton’s egregious offense against him, Lincoln offered Stanton the post of secretary of war. Disregarding any resentment at being humiliated by Stanton, Lincoln recognized his gifts and talents, chose to overlook the offense, and made one of the best choices possible for his cabinet.
Over the years, Stanton and Lincoln proved to be an excellent team. They grew to love each other as dear friends, and it was Stanton who stood by Lincoln’s bedside at his death and uttered the famous words, “Now he belongs to the ages.”
The capacity to forgive is nurtured by personal humility and a capacity to look to a greater good.
Read the whole post here.
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