Becoming a Forgiving Person (A Pastoral Perspective)

Don’t let hurt feelings cause undue harm—learn to make use of the healing power of forgiveness!

Charting different paths through feelings of betrayal, oppression, and humiliation, this compassionate book will help you understand forgiveness, find it within yourself, and pass this important knowledge to others. The poignant stories in Becoming a Forgiving Person show how anyone can manage feelings of victimization and quench the lust for vengeance. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of being hurt, the inner struggles needed to truly forgive, and methods and skills for practicing forgiveness.

Combining religious and psychological insight, Becoming a Forgiving Person examines how forgiveness can enhance feelings of self-esteem, freedom, and intimacy. The personal stories in these pages illuminate the futility of revenge and show why apologies don’t always help. You’ll be inspired by these lessons on how to forgive yourself and other people by tapping into levels of spirituality that are deeper than the grievances you need to forgive.

With its fascinating new perspectives on betrayal, revenge, apology, and reconciliation, Becoming a Forgiving Person will show you:

• how to forgive without waiting for apologies
• ways to find personal power and increase self-esteem
• strategies for cultivating networks of supportive people to help you—or anyone—through difficult times
• tactics for getting on with your life and finding inner peace
• how and where to find opportunities to practice forgiveness

This book also contains an appendix that lists various types of offenses and another that explores how to respond to one of the most hurtful situations imaginable—the accusation of incest—in a way that bypasses denial and power struggles and works toward reconciliation. Becoming a Forgiving Person is a book that can help anyone who needs to learn to forgive—or who endeavors to help others accomplish that daunting task.