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Forgiveness is one of the most talked-about commands in Scripture, and one of the hardest to live out.

In this episode, we explore what biblical forgiveness truly is (and what it is not). We walk through Matthew 18, the story of Joseph in Genesis, and Jesus’ words on the cross. We also discuss what research reveals about forgiveness and emotional health, and how releasing offense impacts not only our spirit but our nervous system.

This conversation is both educational and deeply personal. I briefly share part of my own journey in learning to forgive my father, and how surrendering that relationship to God changed me.

If you’ve been carrying offense, replaying wounds, or struggling to release someone from what they owe you, this episode will guide you toward freedom.

In This Episode:

• What forgiveness is (and what it is not)
• The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35)
• Joseph’s story of betrayal and redemption (Genesis 37–50)
• Jesus’ posture of forgiveness on the cross (Luke 23:34)
• The difference between forgiveness, trust, and reconciliation
• Insights from the Stanford Forgiveness Project
• A practical 3-step framework for releasing offense
• SOAPling Ephesians 4:32 together

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 18:21–35
• Genesis 37–50
• Genesis 50:20
• Luke 23:34
• Ephesians 4:32

Research Mentioned:

Luskin, F. et al. (2002). Forgiveness and health outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
Stanford Forgiveness Project, Stanford University School of Medicine.

Download the Free Companion Study Guide

This week’s forgiveness study guide includes:

• Scripture references
• Reflection prompts
• A guided release exercise
• SOAP breakdown of Ephesians 4:32

Download it at:
 👉 shopjoyfulorder.com

Pair it with your SOAP Journal to go deeper.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need freedom on the other side of offense.

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

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Episode Summary

In a world that is loud, divided, and quick to judge, empathy feels rare.

But empathy is not weakness. It is the way of Jesus.

In this episode, we slow down and study Scripture together to understand empathy not as a personality trait, but as a biblical posture formed by the heart of God.

After last week’s episode on finding hope when the world feels broken became the most responded-to episode in all 120 recordings, it became clear: people are longing to be seen, understood, and met with compassion.

So today, we open our Bibles and look at how Jesus modeled empathy in real, tangible ways.

What We Study in This Episode

John 5:1–9 — The Man at the Pool
Jesus heals without blame or interrogation of past failure.

Matthew 8:1–3 — The Leper
Compassion crosses social and religious barriers.

Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan
Empathy that is costly, courageous, and obedient.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A deeper theological understanding of empathy
 • A clearer view of how Jesus embodied compassion
 • Insight into why empathy feels scarce in today’s culture
 • Practical ways to cultivate empathy rooted in Scripture

Empathy begins with seeing.
And seeing begins with slowing down.

Grab your Bible as you listen, and download the free companion study guide to continue digging into the historical context, theological meaning, and personal application of this episode.

Download the Episode #120 Study Guide here:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Key Verse (SOAP Together)

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”
 — Luke 10:33

If this episode encouraged or challenged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need to be reminded of what compassion looks like.

Let’s be people who don’t just pass by. Let’s be people who see.

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

The headlines won’t slow down, and neither will the knot in your chest, anger, grief, fear, and that creeping numbness that pretends it’s relief. We go straight at those feelings, not to minimize them, but to name them as signs your empathy still works. From there, we draw a line from Scripture to our moment: Jesus moving through a charged, divided world; a crowd swayed to choose Barabbas; Isaiah’s warning about a nation busy with religion but empty on justice. The pattern is old: fear manipulates, innocence pays, and power protects its pockets. Naming it clearly is the first act of courage.

We don’t stop at diagnosis. We talk about redemptive anger that refuses cruelty, and the nervous system care that makes it possible. Breathwork, walks, sunlight, and limits on doom scrolling help you drop out of fight or flight so you can act with wisdom. We share practical, local moves: listen before you post, speak truth without spite, support a family under pressure, serve at a pantry or school, and pray with intention that nudges you toward courage. If public protest fits your wiring, go in peace; if not, serve where you’re steady and safe. Community is essential, find the friend you can hike with and cry with, the circle where silence and prayer can hold what words can’t.

Most of all, we anchor in meaning over outcomes. We can’t undo a decade of damage overnight, and another election won’t heal our hearts. But ordinary goodness, quiet, stubborn, and daily, keeps compassion alive. Ask what is yours to carry and what belongs to God. You can feel anger without becoming cruel, grieve without losing hope, and feel fear without letting it run your life. If you’re ready to turn outrage into mercy and helplessness into small, faithful steps that matter, press play and walk with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs steadiness today, and leave a review to help others find the conversation.

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

After the longest break since launching the show, I’m back with a heart reset and a different lens on goals, purpose, and the way we measure a faithful life. A family summer through Europe, quiet miles on the trail, and 161 soaped chapters of Scripture set the stage for one core shift: goals aren’t ladders to climb, they’re callings to complete.

I walk through Luke 13:32 and the Greek nuance behind “goal” as completion- bringing an assignment to its intended end. That single insight reframed everything I teach about goal-setting. We name the modern “foxes” that derail us- fear of failure, fear of success, distraction, urgency, and we learn how Jesus answered pressure without abandoning purpose. Instead of chasing outcomes, we talk about stewarding what God has already placed in our hands and asking better questions: What needs to be finished, not added? What outcomes do I need to release? Where is my yes rooted, obedience or ambition?

You’ll hear candid stories from ministry life, the pressure of perfection, and why I’m slowing the show to two episodes a month to deliver deeper, more story-driven conversations. We also get practical with a simple framework to realign your year: identify your entrusted assignments, set faith-anchored actions, pre-name your foxes, and let Scripture set your pace. If you’re ready to swap metrics for meaning and move from performance to completion, this one will meet you where you are and nudge you toward the finish God intended.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. What will you finish this year?

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

After 117 episodes, it's time to pause and reflect on the journey of Your Joyful Order podcast. This final episode of Season 5 is a heartfelt conversation about the power of intentional breaks and the importance of creating space for renewal.

Looking back at Season 5, we've covered tremendous ground – from Pastor Bianca Juarez-Olthoff breaking down spiritual gifts to deep dives into women's wellness and hormonal health that sparked countless conversations. We've explored boundaries with therapists, productivity with coaches, and leadership principles with experts. Each guest brought unique wisdom, creating a tapestry of insight that's helped our community grow in joy and purpose.

Now, as summer approaches, I'm embracing a season of rest and renewal. June brings my 30-day Mid-Year Reset Challenge combining strength training, whole foods, scripture reading, and a complete social media break. This structured approach combats that mid-year energy slump while establishing habits that foster clarity and growth. July delivers a dream European adventure through Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein – because intentionally creating joy through new experiences is essential to a meaningful life.

Season 6 returns in September with a focus on stories and testimonies. I'm specifically seeking listeners with compelling personal narratives of transformation, healing, and overcoming challenges. These firsthand accounts of breakthrough will create connection within our community and remind us of the power of resilience. Your story could be the exact message someone needs to hear.

Remember that order isn't about perfection—it's about creating space for what matters most. Whether you join the reset challenge, submit your story for consideration, or simply use this summer for your own intentional pause, I hope you'll find ways to strengthen your joy and purpose. Connect with me through the links in the show notes and let's continue this journey together when we return in September.

Join My 30-Day Reset Challenge- June 1-30, 2025 
Click the Link Below for the GroupMe App:
https://groupme.com/join_group/107846550/tnIRBKBr

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

Polly Payne, CEO and founder of Horacio Printing, takes us on a transformative journey exploring how true leadership begins within. From her early days as a New York City sales director living a chaotic, unfulfilling life to the divine moment that sparked her entrepreneurial calling, Polly reveals how intentional self-leadership changed everything.

"The greatest work of art we will create is our life," Polly shares, recounting how this mindset prompted her to see her existence as a canvas requiring deliberate brushstrokes. This perspective shift led to creating the Christian Dream Planner and eventually helped countless others bring their product visions to life.

Throughout our conversation, Polly offers practical wisdom about discerning God-given dreams. She challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts—"If you have a scared heart, you'll have scared dreams"—while reassuring us that sometimes the purpose of a dream isn't wild success but rather how it builds us. This liberating truth frees us from perfectionism and fear of failure.

The discussion moves beyond inspiration into actionable strategies: creating dedicated "dream blocks" in your schedule, recognizing when to ruthlessly eliminate commitments, and embracing the paradox that productivity sometimes means doing less. Polly's approach balances big-vision dreaming with practical daily disciplines that make dreams sustainable.

Whether you're feeling stuck, uninspired, or simply ready to approach your God-given dreams with fresh clarity, this episode offers both spiritual encouragement and concrete steps forward. Discover how to craft your life with intention, lead yourself with confidence, and discern which dreams deserve your wholehearted pursuit. Your next season of purpose and joy may be just one decision away.

Connect with Polly:

Website: https://www.dreamprinting.co/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/horacioprinting/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/polly_payne/

USE CODE: LESLIE100 for $100 off Print School Registration

Sign Up For a FREE PRINT SCHOOL WORKSHOP:
https://www.dreamprinting.co/Dream-Printing-Workshop-With-Polly

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

What if conflict isn't something to avoid, but rather an essential pathway to growth? Leadership coach Lauren Bronson-Petros reveals how our relationship with tension shapes our effectiveness as leaders, and why most people struggle to approach difficult conversations despite knowing their importance.

Drawing from her background in organizational change and conflict resolution, Lauren introduces the powerful BRAVE framework—a five-step approach that transforms how we navigate challenging interactions. She unpacks why understanding your conflict history matters, how to determine whether something is worth addressing, and the critical difference between seeking resolution versus simply wanting to be right.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Lauren distinguishes between comfort and peace, explaining why the pursuit of comfort keeps us stagnant while peace allows us to act with courage even when facing discomfort. "We often talk about authenticity as a highlight reel," she notes, "but if you're being authentic, it also means acknowledging the parts of you that need growth."

For anyone who's ever avoided a difficult conversation or wondered how to approach conflict more effectively, this discussion provides practical wisdom and a transformative perspective. Lauren offers specific strategies for staying grounded during tense moments, understanding what's truly at stake, and measuring success beyond merely winning arguments.

Ready to develop what Lauren calls an "immunity to discomfort"? This episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to transform your leadership by embracing rather than avoiding the tensions that inevitably arise in any meaningful work. Subscribe now and learn how the healthiest teams aren't conflict-free—they're conflict fluent.

Connect with Lauren: 

Website: https://boundlessandco.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbronsonpetrous/

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

Ever felt that gnawing suspicion that you're capable of more, but something invisible is holding you back? That barrier might be complacency—leadership's silent killer.

In this illuminating conversation, Israel Duran shares the powerful journey that transformed him from a doubtful corporate employee to a business growth partner who empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs worldwide. Through personal tragedy and a near-fatal car accident that became his catalyst for change, Israel discovered that our greatest obstacles often lie within ourselves.

"Pride is rooted in selfishness, fear, and entitlement," Israel reveals, explaining how these hidden barriers prevent true growth. Drawing from biblical wisdom and his work with high-level entrepreneurs, he introduces the revolutionary "leaky bucket principle"—a metaphor that explains why pursuing bigger opportunities without addressing your fundamental leaks leads to disappointment rather than success.

You'll discover why most leaders can't identify their own blind spots (hint: "it's hard to see the label when you're inside the jar"), and how surrounding yourself with the right mentors can propel you forward exponentially. Israel's journey from having zero billionaires in his network to five didn't happen by chasing wealth, but by expanding his belief in what was possible for himself.

Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, feeling stuck at your current level, or sensing a divine nudge toward something greater, this episode provides the mindset shifts and practical insights needed to break free from complacency. The path to extraordinary leadership begins not with more resources, but with addressing the internal barriers that limit your potential.

Ready to fix your leaks and step into your fullest calling? This conversation will challenge you to examine where you've been playing small and inspire you to embrace the growth that awaits on the other side of comfort. Because as Israel reminds us: "Before you can, you must first believe that you can."

Connect with Israel:
Website: https://www.serviceofspeaking.com/reserve-now 
$29 to REGISTER for a LIMITED TIME ONLY for his Service of Speaking Course

IG: https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelduran/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Israel-Duran/100070106933555/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IsraelDuran

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@israelduranassociates

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

What if the most important leadership skill isn't about managing others, but about managing yourself? Dr. Michelle Seijas, a Latina leader and educator with over 15 years of experience, brings a revolutionary perspective to leadership that starts from within.

Against the backdrop of widespread burnout in education and leadership, Dr. Seijas shares her personal journey of stepping away from a promising career in education to embark on a six-month sabbatical that transformed her understanding of sustainable leadership. "I spent 15 years in K-12 education, and nobody teaches you to lead yourself first," she reveals. "Everything is always external, and I would actually push that we should go internal first."

Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Seija's redefinition of confidence as self-trust. "The reason we don't feel confident speaking up or applying for the thing or engaging with people is because we don't trust that we're going to be able to navigate when things get uncomfortable," she explains. Building this self-trust happens through small, manageable steps that gradually create a foundation of successful experiences.

For leaders feeling overwhelmed, Dr. Seijas offers practical strategies for reconnecting with intuition and making decisions aligned with authentic values rather than external expectations. From nervous system regulation techniques to communal practices derived from ancestral wisdom, she provides a holistic toolkit for sustainable leadership.

Whether you're a formal leader navigating organizational challenges or simply wanting to lead your own life with greater intention, this episode offers transformative insights on becoming "the CEO of your life" and embracing leadership as an inside-out journey.

Share this episode with someone who needs permission to prioritize their own well-being. 

Connect with Dr. Michelle Seijas:
Website: https://www.michelleseijas.com/coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivingchingona/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-seijas-ed-d-105322121/

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Send a text

The mysterious, often misunderstood journey through perimenopause and menopause leaves countless women feeling confused, frustrated, and alone. With symptoms dismissed as "just aging" and proper care difficult to find, many suffer silently through what should be a supported transition.

Dr. Sarah Bonza, who found herself navigating her own perimenopausal symptoms without adequate medical guidance, transformed her experience into a mission. After additional certifications in wellness coaching, lifestyle medicine, and menopause management, she developed a comprehensive approach to women's midlife health that addresses the whole person—not just their symptoms.

What makes perimenopause particularly challenging is how it affects every aspect of a woman's well-being. Estrogen receptors exist in over 200 different tissues in our bodies, from our brains to our hearts to our metabolic systems. As levels decline, women experience not just hot flashes but profound changes in mood, cognition, weight distribution, and sleep patterns. The unexplained weight gain that frustrates so many isn't a matter of willpower—it's hormonal insulin resistance that requires specific interventions like increased protein intake and strength training to address.

For women struggling to get proper care, symptom tracking and self-advocacy are essential. By arming yourself with knowledge about hormone changes and their effects throughout your body, you can approach this transition with confidence rather than fear. Connect with Dr. Bonza's comprehensive Vitality Code Program at www.bonsahealth.com to receive personalized support through your perimenopause and menopause journey.

Connect with Dr. Sarah Bonza:
Website: https://www.bonzahealth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbonza/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsarahbonza/

Could I Be Perimenopausal Quiz: 
https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/65dfee615fc06c00151a06b9

Perimenopause Symptom Tracker: 
https://www.bonzahealth.com/perimenopause-symptom-tracker

Connect with Leslie:

Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle

Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Email: [email protected]
to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching Sessions

Shop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products:
https://shopjoyfulorder.com/

Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw

Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/09Djvaw