The Art of Forgiving

I have never read such a comprehensive and well-written guide to grieving and releasing hurts and offenses that require forgiveness as when I picked up this AWESOME FIND!! The process that true healing takes far exceeds the time and energy needed to dig into this easy-read, but TAKE that TIME and do not seek to rush it. There could be no greater effort you make for your own sense of peace and well-being than to work out your pain and personal hurt, give it to the Lord, and restore joy to your soul, attitude, aspect, and life!! Hallelujah for this man who has the courage and clarity to define true, Biblical forgiveness in a world that tries to suggest a very different and damaging definition and process (e.g., "forgive and forget", "time heals all wounds", "shake it off", etc.) Whatever the offense or degree of hurt, it matters to God and should not be overlooked...that only leads to bitterness and living a lie! There is no blessing or healing for the embittered person who "drinks the poison daily, expecting their offender to die"! Thank you, Mr. Smedes, for helping a hurting world in this way!!!

Definitely the author is a Christian. But, the book explores facets that I thought were under examined and practical for those of all faiths. For instance, does forgiving someone equal reuniting with them of you can't change their behavior? I would have loved for the author to discuss more of what the relationship looks like when you are stuck with people you want to forgive but are stuck in a relationship with (in-laws might bee a great ). That's really about the only thing that is missing. The examples of WHY you want to forgive are so important, what you forgive, and how you forgive might be shocking to many who believe true Cheistian forgiveness is about public displays and worlds rather than actions. I read this through in one afternoon - I couldn't put out down. I know I will re-read as often as I need.

Thoughtful and impactful

Wonderful. God's love in Hebrew is called 'Hesed' that means Mercifulness and Lovingkindness at the same time. Lewis gets that.

I gave this book 5 stars because it really helped me to understand better what it means to forgive. Forgiveness is more than saying sorry and true forgiveness is a process. The part that really sticks with me is that forgiveness is found when we rediscover the humanity in the person that hurt us. It was also helpful to learn the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and that forgiveness doesn't mean we go back to what we had, but that we can move forward to new things, new relationships. A very good book, easy to read in a week, but one that will take a life time to really grasp and put into practice.

Lewis Smedes is amazing with words, he is easy to read, and he is very honest. I have read his books and some others like Total Forgiveness, I have found that most people use Smedes as a reference. He says things that just make sense, but that we aren't used to hearing. For example, you have to place blame before you can forgive, you do not justify what someone did because that means you don't have any reason to forgive them if they did nothing wrong. He even goes on to say that we can forgive and still be angry or even feel glad when if they receive justice for what they did. He does not tell you that wanting someone to pay a punishment that fits their crime is wrong, he says that is ok to want justice. Read it! It will help you understand what forgiveness is and is not. Overall I think he is a great writer.

One of the best books I have ever read on Forgiveness. The healing I have received from the information in the book and how well it is written. I suggest every family has one and reads it. Great tool for moving forward in life. Solid information that allows healing and encourages one. This is a special gift you give yourself!

The book is interesting and does take a differetn perspective on the whole forgiveness concept. About half way through the book. I think my biggest struggle is that it goes against everything I have been taught, not in a bad way but like anything once you have been taught one way it is extremely difficult to change your way of thinking. I would recommend it though if you have struggled in the area of forgiveness.

Book is of very old stock and papers are of very bad quality. This is my First bad experience at Amazon about books. It is a paperback and cost is approximately Rs.800 and print quality is not at all commensurate.

Best book ever on forgiveness. Breaks down the components of what forgiving is. Teaches you the 3 main requirements you must do to forgive someone or yourself. Very clear that forgiveness is not excusing the one who wounded you but freeing yourself from carrying anger, fear, bitterness which is harming you and stealing your life. YOU are the one who decides who holds power over you...Don't let someone else steal your life by not letting go. Freedom and healing awaits you if you choose.

little sad seeing a tear right out the package but as i read the book, the joy of reading it just erased my thoughts about the tear. I am very blessed!

Excellent product

Very helpful and well written book on a subject most of us find difficult. Although the author is a highly regarded theologian, the style is clear and straight-forward, and will reward the reader.