Thank you for looking inside the book.
Brief chapter summaries and chapter 1 are provided below for your review.
Chapter Summaries
Part One: Foundations of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Chapter 1
What is Forgiveness?
What does forgiveness really look like? The answer can be difficult to ascertain, since even some prominent pastors and leaders have been wrong in describing it. Chapter 1 will define what forgiveness really is and reveal if any situation warrants withholding it. This introduction includes an amplification of the timeless story of the Prodigal Son.
Chapter 2
What is Reconciliation?
Countless books have been written about forgiveness; but many neglect the related topic of reconciliation, giving an incomplete picture that clouds our understanding. Forgiveness is the foundation of reconciliation; but unlike forgiveness, reconciliation requires the participation of all parties involved to restore the relationship. It also requires the trustworthiness of the offender. This chapter includes an often-overlooked dimension of the well-known story of Joseph.
Chapter 3
Why Forgive?
With the definition of forgiveness established in Chapter 1, Chapter 3 presents the spiritual, physical, and mental benefits associated with it. This chapter describes how valuable forgiveness is and how it is time-sensitive.
Chapter 4
Why Reconcile?
Unlike forgiveness, reconciliation often requires considerable time and effort. Strained relationships are associated with all kinds of negative outcomes; but reconciliation has the power to restore healthy, joyful, and stable relationships. Chapter 4 takes a good look at the benefits of pursuing reconciliation inside and outside the family, and provides insight for when reconciliation is appropriate.
Chapter 5
Created for Community
God did not design us to live alone but in various communities, including our own family. Chapter 5 provides a dimension that is not only thought-provoking but adds a great understanding of how forgiveness and reconciliation strengthen the communities we live in.
Chapter 6
Love and Humility
Forgiveness and reconciliation would not be possible without the core virtues of love and humility. Chapter 6 offers a life-giving analysis of love and humility, both of which are necessary for unwavering forgiveness and effectiveness in efforts toward reconciliation.
Part Two: Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Action
Chapter 7
Wisdom
Wisdom provides the proper and righteous use of knowledge to accomplish credible outcomes. Chapter 7 focuses on the use of wisdom to make it easier to forgive, and reconciliation more achievable.
Chapter 8
Practical Tips
Chapter 8 provides additional valuable information to facilitate forgiveness and reconciliation with others. Practical tips include how to balance a mental ledger as we trust God to heal our pain, protect our heart, and work in the lives of our offenders.
Chapter 9
A Happy Marriage
An unhappy marriage can be like a torpedo tearing through a battleship, capsizing a family’s happiness as the essential bonds are damaged and broken. Chapter 9 focuses on marriage and provides some great tips for how to restore and strengthen the marital bond.
Chapter 10
Difficult Circumstances
Forgiveness can be difficult when an offense committed is particularly egregious. In other cases, it is hard because repeat offenses accumulate over time and complicate the prospects of making amends. An excellent way to learn how forgiveness and reconciliation are achieved in tough situations is gained by reading real stories like the ones in this chapter.
Chapter 11
A Joyful Heart
Chapter 11 shifts the focus from forgiving others to how we can personally be and feel forgiven, and be set free from the spiritual and emotional prisons our own sin and/or the difficult events we have endured can create.
Chapter 12
Being Forgiven by and Reconciliation with God
Chapter 12 covers the eternally significant topic of securing forgiveness from and reconciliation with God. It also explores the uniqueness of Christian forgiveness compared to what other religions offer.
Chapter 1
Questions for personal reflection or group discussion are included at the end of the book.