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Before we explore what forgiveness is, we need to stress what forgiveness is not.įorgiveness is not denial. But given the context we find ourselves in right now, it feels essential to begin in a different place. In light of the abundant grace in which we stand, what possible response can we have, but to pay the wealth of God’s forgiveness forward?Īgain, I believe wholeheartedly that Jesus’s teaching in this Gospel passage is powerful and life-giving. Why? Because we are first and foremost a forgiven people - a people generously and lavishly forgiven by God. In other words, forgiveness should be our regular practice, our way of life, our default mode.
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We shouldn’t forgive our offenders a mere seven times, but rather, seventy-seven, or seventy times seven. In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells the disciple Peter that forgiveness in the kingdom of God must be generous beyond limits. Often - and to our shame - we Christians turn the concept of forgiveness into a weapon, and use it to silence people who cry out against injustice.
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This is especially true right now in the United States, where the pressing call for racial equality and healing is too often met in the Church by premature demands for forgiveness. But because I’m hyper-aware of how forgiveness is sometimes deployed by Christians to fend off questions about power, justice, repentance, and lament. Not because I disdain forgiveness, or consider it anything less than essential to the Christian life. If you ever want to learn to truly forgive and be content with the person who offended you, then you need to read this book.First, a confession: I feel ambivalent about writing an essay on forgiveness. For those who have been hurt by a spouse, or parent, or friend, this book is a must read. What is more is this book belongs in the libraries of every pastor or nouthetic counselor who really wants to deal with the issue of forgiveness with a member of your congregation or a counselee. Suffice it to say that this book belongs on the shelf of every believer. If you are not challenged by this book, then you either did not read it or you are not a believer who has experienced true forgiveness at the foot of the cross. However, if I were to do that, I fear that I would in essence be plagiarizing the book in this review! This book is saturated with scripture and consequently, it is one of the more challenging volumes that has come across my desk in some time. Because I was challenged in my own preconceived notions-however subconscious they were-of what forgiveness was, I want to share everything I learned. While I want to write so much more in this review, I fear I cannot. This becomes especially important when you are instructed to not forgive the unrepentant and allow for the wrath of God to have the final say (see chapter 12). It may be tough for some to understand this concept, but it must be understood that forgiveness does not have as much to do with the people involved as much as it does with Who is ultimately offended-God.Įach chapter includes a list of discussion questions that can be done alone but is best suited for a group study. Yes, you can offer forgiveness to someone, but if they are not repentant, then they cannot be forgiven. Biblical forgiveness is conditional upon repentance. This idea of “free forgiveness” is nothing less than a feel-good, therapeutic forgiveness that has nothing to do with the Bible and everything to do with the person who is doing the forgiving.īrauns painstakingly shows how therapeutic forgiveness solves nothing and more often than not leads to bitterness. Most people want to claim that forgiveness is unconditional and must be handed out freely. Although it may be controversial, Brauns explains how forgiveness, according to the scriptures, is conditional. This book helps the Christian to see what exactly that looks like as well as what is entailed in forgiveness. He then gives his readers some basic guidelines to begin what is the long journey to true forgiveness.Įvery believer must forgive and ask for forgiveness daily whether they realize it or not. In Unpacking Forgiveness, he offers a study of what Scripture says regarding the discipline of forgiveness. $17.99.Ĭhris Brauns, senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois has written a much needed exposition on a much maligned topic. Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds. Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedInīrauns, Chris.