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The Freedom Factor: Finding Peace by Forgiving Others . . . and Yourself
God made your heart for love, joy, peace, and wholeness. But pastors say that more than 90% of their congregations struggle with unforgiveness—and unforgiveness can make us forget what we were made for.
What if the most pervasive sin of our day is invisible, hidden deep inside our hearts? What if it affects every aspect of our lives and relationships so quietly and insidiously that most of us miss it altogether? Bruce Wilkinson believes unforgiveness is that sin. Through the teachings of Jesus, The Freedom Factor reveals the link between our suffering and our unforgiveness. But it also shows how to forgive—for real and forever. The story doesn’t have to end with the pain of our wounds. Whatever happened to us happened. But the God who made your heart has shown a way past the wounds, back to the life and love that we were made for—a path toward freedom.
What if the most pervasive sin of our day is invisible, hidden deep inside our hearts? What if it affects every aspect of our lives and relationships so quietly and insidiously that most of us miss it altogether? Bruce Wilkinson believes unforgiveness is that sin. Through the teachings of Jesus, The Freedom Factor reveals the link between our suffering and our unforgiveness. But it also shows how to forgive—for real and forever. The story doesn’t have to end with the pain of our wounds. Whatever happened to us happened. But the God who made your heart has shown a way past the wounds, back to the life and love that we were made for—a path toward freedom.
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2016
50 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Bruce H. Wilkinson
178 books290 followersBruce Wilkinson is recognized as one of the world's foremost Christian teachers and speakers. But he is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, The Prayer of Jabez, and other bestsellers including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. He is the founder of WorldTeach, a global initiative to train Bible teachers in every nation. Wilkinson also founded Dream for Africa, a humanitarian agency that has taken on AIDS, orphan care and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 22, 2018
We get emotionally hurt and are wounded. We have the choice to forgive or not forgive. If we don't forgive, that wound will fester just like a physical one does when left untreated. Unforgiveness has serious consequences. Wilkinson refers to the parable in Matthew 18 to show that unforgiveness is always accompanied by suffering of some kind. (13) God guarantees it. “It is the Father who assigns suffering to accompany unforgiveness in our lives.” (19) It is a form of discipline because God loves us.
How have I missed this relationship between suffering and unforgiveness? Granted, as Wilkinson points out, not all suffering is from unforgiveness. But it was certainly worth reading this book to understand the relationship between suffering and unforgiveness and see if it is part of my own life. Just as my unforgiveness would initiate suffering, my forgiveness will end it. It doesn't work to ignore the wound. It must be treated. Wilkinson shares the results of continued unforgiveness and it is not pretty.
This little book contains a very important message. Wilkinson takes readers through the progressive stages of unforgiveness, ultimately leading to hatred and vengeance. Thank God He has provided a way to joy, peace, love and freedom. That way is forgiveness. That may not be easy but Wilkinson helps readers go through that process. He clearly identifies the steps to the true forgiveness God requires. He also tells great stories as examples of people being freed, good encouragement.
Wilkinson is adamant. Forgiveness will set us free. He feels so strongly about it he guarantees that readers who commit to reading and doing the book will experience the freedom God intended. He has tasks for readers to do and questions upon which to reflect. He also provides a website where readers can access additional resources.
I highly recommend this excellent book. It will take courage but this book can be life changing as you forgive others and yourself. (This book was previously released in 2016 with the title, The Freedom Factor.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bring It On Communications. My comments are an independent and honest review.
How have I missed this relationship between suffering and unforgiveness? Granted, as Wilkinson points out, not all suffering is from unforgiveness. But it was certainly worth reading this book to understand the relationship between suffering and unforgiveness and see if it is part of my own life. Just as my unforgiveness would initiate suffering, my forgiveness will end it. It doesn't work to ignore the wound. It must be treated. Wilkinson shares the results of continued unforgiveness and it is not pretty.
This little book contains a very important message. Wilkinson takes readers through the progressive stages of unforgiveness, ultimately leading to hatred and vengeance. Thank God He has provided a way to joy, peace, love and freedom. That way is forgiveness. That may not be easy but Wilkinson helps readers go through that process. He clearly identifies the steps to the true forgiveness God requires. He also tells great stories as examples of people being freed, good encouragement.
Wilkinson is adamant. Forgiveness will set us free. He feels so strongly about it he guarantees that readers who commit to reading and doing the book will experience the freedom God intended. He has tasks for readers to do and questions upon which to reflect. He also provides a website where readers can access additional resources.
I highly recommend this excellent book. It will take courage but this book can be life changing as you forgive others and yourself. (This book was previously released in 2016 with the title, The Freedom Factor.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bring It On Communications. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 11, 2017
Best part was discussion of Matthew18 in regards to unforgiving servant. Although I used his system of forgiveness, I think Wilkinson forgets the power of God, specifically the Holy Spirit, to give us ability to forgive others and ourself. We can't do it on our own. It is supernatural to forgive those who wound us.
August 25, 2018
I truly love it when God surprises me. Have you ever been in need of something but you didn't know what it was, then all of a sudden a "God thing" happens and you find it was just what you needed? Well, that is exactly what happened to me and the "God thing" that happened was an email from Bring It On! Communications asking me if I would be interested in reading and reviewing The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness How to Find Peace By Forgiving Others And Yourself. This book is life-changing, to say the least.
In reading this book, the authors take you through how unforgiveness torments us until we can truly forgive. They lead you step-by-step in how to forgive others and then how to forgive ourselves. I must admit, for the sake of my review, I just read through the book but I fully intend to go back now and take each step that is outlined to freeing myself of unforgiveness.
The book is laced with stories of people who found themselves tormented in one way or another and needed to forgive others as well as themselves. We are shown how God wants all His children to forgive everyone for everything no matter what it is.
This book is a very easy book to read and believe me if you make it all the way through you will find yourself a very changed person feeling free, maybe for the first time in your life. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. In fact, we have purchased several copies for our church members to read, do and pass on.
This is definitely worth 5 Stars!
I would like to thank Kati Viscaino with Bring It On Communications for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectation for a positive review.
In reading this book, the authors take you through how unforgiveness torments us until we can truly forgive. They lead you step-by-step in how to forgive others and then how to forgive ourselves. I must admit, for the sake of my review, I just read through the book but I fully intend to go back now and take each step that is outlined to freeing myself of unforgiveness.
The book is laced with stories of people who found themselves tormented in one way or another and needed to forgive others as well as themselves. We are shown how God wants all His children to forgive everyone for everything no matter what it is.
This book is a very easy book to read and believe me if you make it all the way through you will find yourself a very changed person feeling free, maybe for the first time in your life. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. In fact, we have purchased several copies for our church members to read, do and pass on.
This is definitely worth 5 Stars!
I would like to thank Kati Viscaino with Bring It On Communications for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectation for a positive review.
August 12, 2018
Another Short But Powerful Book
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson has a reputation for writing short but poswerful books like THE PRAYER OF JABEZ. I’ve read THE SECRET OF LASTING FORGIVENESS and discovered another amazing teaching from the Scriptures.
As Wilkinson writes in the opening pages, “Wherever you live, whatever your story, no matter what wounds or trauma or hurt is in your past, no matter what age or wealth or social standing—you still have more life to live, and God desires it to be abundant, filled with freedom, peace and joy. You can know the truth, my friend. The truth about forgiveness. And that truth will set you free.” (Page 9)
The storytelling in this book, the Biblical teaching, the prayers and the step-by-step insights make THE SECRET OF LASTING FORGIVENESS a solid recommendation.
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson has a reputation for writing short but poswerful books like THE PRAYER OF JABEZ. I’ve read THE SECRET OF LASTING FORGIVENESS and discovered another amazing teaching from the Scriptures.
As Wilkinson writes in the opening pages, “Wherever you live, whatever your story, no matter what wounds or trauma or hurt is in your past, no matter what age or wealth or social standing—you still have more life to live, and God desires it to be abundant, filled with freedom, peace and joy. You can know the truth, my friend. The truth about forgiveness. And that truth will set you free.” (Page 9)
The storytelling in this book, the Biblical teaching, the prayers and the step-by-step insights make THE SECRET OF LASTING FORGIVENESS a solid recommendation.
September 12, 2016
***If you struggle with unforgiveness, this is a "must read" title!***
Do you struggle with forgiveness of yourself, another or many others? Bruce Wilkinson, author of "The Prayer of Jabez" writes, "Inability to forgive causes problems for more than 90% of church congregations today." However, I believe failure to forgive isn't just a church problem, it's a problem everyone struggles with at times whether they attend church or not.
Corrie Ten Boom, Holocaust survivor, had more reason than most not to forgive, yet she learned "forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness" that imprisoned her upon her release from Ravensbruck concentration camp in 1944.
Bruce Wilkinson's new release "The Freedom Factor" is about "finding peace by forgiving others...and yourself." The first four chapters focus on the "secret pain" of unforgiveness, the "trespasses and torments" that cause "soul sickness" and "the seven steps of heart infection" that lead to "the slide of unforgiveness."
The second half of "The Freedom Factor" provides the keys to unlock long-standing resentments, fears and trust issues symptomatic of habitual unforgiveness. That begins the journey towards peace and restoration. Or as someone once said, "Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace." A powerful little book with a huge message that belongs on everyone's bookshelf.
The Freedom Factor by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson with Oregon author Mark E. Strong, Zeal Books, 2016, 176 Pages, 978-0997066920, $14.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" June 2016
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
Do you struggle with forgiveness of yourself, another or many others? Bruce Wilkinson, author of "The Prayer of Jabez" writes, "Inability to forgive causes problems for more than 90% of church congregations today." However, I believe failure to forgive isn't just a church problem, it's a problem everyone struggles with at times whether they attend church or not.
Corrie Ten Boom, Holocaust survivor, had more reason than most not to forgive, yet she learned "forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness" that imprisoned her upon her release from Ravensbruck concentration camp in 1944.
Bruce Wilkinson's new release "The Freedom Factor" is about "finding peace by forgiving others...and yourself." The first four chapters focus on the "secret pain" of unforgiveness, the "trespasses and torments" that cause "soul sickness" and "the seven steps of heart infection" that lead to "the slide of unforgiveness."
The second half of "The Freedom Factor" provides the keys to unlock long-standing resentments, fears and trust issues symptomatic of habitual unforgiveness. That begins the journey towards peace and restoration. Or as someone once said, "Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace." A powerful little book with a huge message that belongs on everyone's bookshelf.
The Freedom Factor by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson with Oregon author Mark E. Strong, Zeal Books, 2016, 176 Pages, 978-0997066920, $14.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" June 2016
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
November 3, 2024
Overall a very strong practical guide to forgiveness. My hesitation from 5 stars is that I think the writer may take what they've found to be true for themselves and many as the universal "correct" way to process something very complex and personal. I think they may stretch a little too far in their presumptions in Biblical interpretation. That said many of the approaches used seem to be rooted in therapeutic counseling practices and I believe are broadly useful.
August 16, 2016
This is tremendously practical and helpful for anyone knowing they need to forgive. Bruce walks through steps to forgiveness that you can do as you're reading/listening. A must read, as we all need to forgive others and ourselves!
June 12, 2016
I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.
January 30, 2025
A little too works-based for me
July 3, 2018
Matthew 18:21-35 includes the story of the unmerciful servant who, after being shown incredible mercy, refused to demonstrate the same mercy to his fellow servant. In this parable, Bruce Wilkinson discovered the true consequences of forgiveness and unforgiveness in our life. We are tortured when we refuse to forgive those who hurt us.
In "The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness", Wilkinson teaches us how to forgive wholeheartedly and the benefits that come when we forgive others and ourselves. If you complete all of the steps outlined in his book, Wilkinson guarantees you will find the peace you have been desperately searching for. In fact, he believes in his message so much that he offers a money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
If you are ready to be set free from the inner turmoil that unforgiveness has caused and are open to follow Wilkinson's advice, read this book and follow the instructions. It may take awhile, but in the long run, all the hard, tough work will be worth it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bring It On! Communications, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In "The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness", Wilkinson teaches us how to forgive wholeheartedly and the benefits that come when we forgive others and ourselves. If you complete all of the steps outlined in his book, Wilkinson guarantees you will find the peace you have been desperately searching for. In fact, he believes in his message so much that he offers a money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
If you are ready to be set free from the inner turmoil that unforgiveness has caused and are open to follow Wilkinson's advice, read this book and follow the instructions. It may take awhile, but in the long run, all the hard, tough work will be worth it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bring It On! Communications, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 26, 2020
Good book.
January 22, 2023
Might not agree with everything but it is very good
June 7, 2018
A missed interpretation, but encouraging none the less!
The author interprets the parable of the unforgiving servant to mean tortures IN THIS LIFE, instead of eternal consequences. This is the main theme of the book. After looking into this interpretation, I've found this is a debated parable, but I don't see a single shred of support to support his view. Most reliable commentaries (and MANY other scripture passages) relate the consequences of unforgiveness as hell and separation from God. Forgiven people forgive people. Just as sin decreases in the life of a believer, forgiveness increases. Believers aren't perfect, but forgiveness MUST increase in their life as an evidence of their salvation.
That being said, it's still true that sin has consequences (Rom 6:23, Gal 6:7-8). One of the scariest of those is offending the Holy Spirit and not having your prayers listened to (Prv 28:9, Isa 59:2). Forgiveness is an excellent thing to grow in and the author is very encouraging. I'm not keen to his hermeneutics in this book, but it still is encouraging and grows your appreciation to the urgency to forgive others.
I'd recommend this book only after explaining to someone the errors of interpretation and providing Jesus mandatory command to forgive others (Mat 6:14, Col 3:13).
The author interprets the parable of the unforgiving servant to mean tortures IN THIS LIFE, instead of eternal consequences. This is the main theme of the book. After looking into this interpretation, I've found this is a debated parable, but I don't see a single shred of support to support his view. Most reliable commentaries (and MANY other scripture passages) relate the consequences of unforgiveness as hell and separation from God. Forgiven people forgive people. Just as sin decreases in the life of a believer, forgiveness increases. Believers aren't perfect, but forgiveness MUST increase in their life as an evidence of their salvation.
That being said, it's still true that sin has consequences (Rom 6:23, Gal 6:7-8). One of the scariest of those is offending the Holy Spirit and not having your prayers listened to (Prv 28:9, Isa 59:2). Forgiveness is an excellent thing to grow in and the author is very encouraging. I'm not keen to his hermeneutics in this book, but it still is encouraging and grows your appreciation to the urgency to forgive others.
I'd recommend this book only after explaining to someone the errors of interpretation and providing Jesus mandatory command to forgive others (Mat 6:14, Col 3:13).
July 29, 2017
This was a very challenging book to read and to implement into my life. The author gives a detailed process in which we should go about forgiving others and ourselves that is contrary to all other methods I have heard in the past. I won't go into detail here as I think this is a must read for everyone Christian or not. You will be pushed to examine your responses to others who have wronged you through out your life. The reward for taking the deep dive is a freedom from torment you may have thought would never go away.
August 19, 2016
This book has some practical ways to go about the process of forgiving others and yourself, which I want to use. But it focuses way too much on the religious view of forgiveness for me to give it 5 stars. The need for forgiveness is a human condition that everyone can benefit from and attaching religion, and a punishing god, to the process is disempowering.
January 16, 2017
There's really one simple message in this book: it's utterly important to our holistic health that we forgive everyone of everything. Although I didn't find the message as life changing as many individuals mentioned in the book beautifully did, I deeply appreciate the renewed call to forgive and the patient steps he offers to walk through forgiveness in your own life.
July 29, 2018
This took me awhile to get through, not because the content wasn’t good, but because it wasn’t relevant to me right now. There was a time when I worked through some forgiveness issues & it would have been a great resource at the time. So I would recommend this to people who ate trying to forgive others or themselves.
December 31, 2019
Freedom
This book made me dig deeper into the burrows of my heart in order to forgive myself. I was living in a stubborn cycle of sin and suffering the torment of unforgiveness of myself and others. I was liberated amidst tears and now fully appreciate why WE must forgive in order to live free and abundantly.
God bless you Bruce
This book made me dig deeper into the burrows of my heart in order to forgive myself. I was living in a stubborn cycle of sin and suffering the torment of unforgiveness of myself and others. I was liberated amidst tears and now fully appreciate why WE must forgive in order to live free and abundantly.
God bless you Bruce
September 4, 2016
A practical book to assist the reader to understand forgiveness and to lead a person to forgive. It is thought provoking. The author uses biblical text, along with real life stories. If someone is experiencing a difficult time forgiving this book it a great way to begin.
January 9, 2017
This book changed my life! I will write more later....
May 16, 2017
Excellent!
I love the practicality of this book! Gives you a lot to think about and walks your through the steps with grace and patience. The audio is awesome!
I love the practicality of this book! Gives you a lot to think about and walks your through the steps with grace and patience. The audio is awesome!
May 24, 2018
If you struggle with unforgiveness and hold grudges this is a great read to help work through that to work toward forgiveness, and freedom.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews