Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope

By Everett L. Worthington Jr.

Book Overview

A Templeton Foundation Book of Distinction

All of us have suffered painful emotional and relational hurts. God calls us to forgive those who have hurt us, but that's often easier said than done. We don't usually know how to forgive others, nor are we always sure if we have truly forgiven them.

Psychologist and counselor Everett L. Worthington Jr., the leading Christian researcher on forgiveness, says that forgiving is a gift we give to others. When we offer forgiveness to others as an altruistic gift, it is more effective than when we forgive only for our own benefit in an effort to "get over" the hurt. True forgiveness is accomplished through a careful process of understanding both the offense and the offender and taking active steps to forgiveness. In this insightful and practical book, Worthington provides a wealth of clinically proven tools and exercises for moving toward forgiveness.

Worthington's expertise comes not only from years of scientific research but also from the experience of the brutal murder of his own mother. His convictions were put to the test as he worked through his conflicting emotions and rage toward the murderer. He found that the principles of Christian forgiveness enabled him to forgive even his mother's killer.

While forgiveness is something that we can do on our own, reconciliation involves another party. Worthington brings both themes together and shows how we can move beyond forgiveness and cross the bridge to reconciliation. This book, previously published as Five Steps to Forgiveness, has been fully revised to make clear the scriptural foundations of Christian forgiveness. Biblical, authoritative and pastorally sound, this guide will be of help to anyone who wants to find the freedom of forgiveness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830832440
• ISBN13: 9780830832446
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: IVP
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Two Steps To A Better Future!

Dr. Worthington deeply engages his readers in two steps they can take to insure a better future for themselves as they navigate the often difficult waters of human relationships! First of all he helps to empower them to forgive; secondly, he provides them with the emotional and psychological tools with which many relationships might be restored through the process of reconciliation! His writings are scientifically rich via the research he presents in the book as well as being spiritually sound, and relationally wise! His practical approaches offer wondrous healing and new possibilities to all humans who have experienced any depth of brokenness in their personal or professional relationships.

Practical, Biblical, and Research Supported

In marriage and in life people are going to hurt you. That's just a fact. Life is not fair or always kind. How we respond to these realities of life makes all the difference in the world as to how we FEEL and rather we enjoy life or are miserable. In this practical, Biblical, and research supported approach to subject of forgiveness and reconciliation, Dr. Worthington helps us learn how to forgive and when to reconcile. He helps individuals understand that forgiveness does not necessarily mean also reconciling. Sometimes reconciliation is neither wise or even possible. However, forgiveness is always wise, and necessary for us to enjoy life; though not easy. This book will help. You can also find help at GetRelationshipHelp.com or in Southwest Missouri at Tri-Lakes Relational Center Springfield, 417.496.1867.