Forgiving Others: Joining Wisdom and Love

CCEF Minibooks

by Timothy S. Lane

Why is it so hard to forgive? When we try, we often battle bitterness, self-pity, and anger. And sometimes it's hard to receive forgiveness or even to admit we need it. No wonder we try to avoid this part of life, only to find that it doesn't go away. What can we do? The Bible speaks with wisdom and authority about this battle. In forgiving others, Timothy S Lane explains the way it helps us understand: ? What forgiveness means ? How to offer forgiveness ? How to ask for forgiveness ? Why we don't forgive ? and how to change that. Forgiving others is seldom easy, but with God's help, it is possible!

Genres: Christian

24 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 1905

About the author

Timothy S. Lane, M. Div., D. Min.
Born in Sylvania, Georgia, Tim enjoyed a good relationship with his parents in his formative years, but he did not become involved in church until his later teens. Just before his senior year in high school, Tim became aware of his sin and his need for Jesus. God used simple salvation sermons at a local church, as well as a group of friends, to bring him to Christ at the age of seventeen.

In 1984, Tim graduated with a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Georgia. Before going to seminary in 1987, Tim served 3 years as a staff person at an evangelical ministry where he met Barbara, whom he later married in 1989. In 1991, Tim graduated from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia.

In 1991, Tim and Barbara also moved to South Carolina where Tim served as assistant pastor and then pastor at Clemson Presbyterian Church until 2001. It was during these 10 years that Tim truly began to understand and apply the gospel to his life and ministry. He learned that the blessings and difficulties of marriage, family and ministry were just the things God used to draw him into a deeper relationship with Him. He also learned how to apply God’s truth to everyday life and ministry, pointing others to Christ and his gospel of grace.

Tim, Barbara and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 2001 where they both serve at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. Tim is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF and a lecturer in practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. He is also a speaker, the author of CONFLICT and the co-author of HOW PEOPLE CHANGE and RELATIONSHIPS: A Mess Worth Making.

- http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/t...

Reviews

[Lydia Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful, short read. The Keswick book stall is a dangerous place for my bank account :o

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This pamphlet was good, but when it says that forgiveness has to be a verbal agreement, that is NOT TRUE. I'm dealing with a person in my family that I need to forgive even though I know he never will. Forgiveness at this point is only so I can let go of the feelings that are pulling me down. It does not mean repairing the relationship. It does not mean going back to how things were before. It means moving on. It means being nice to said person, but it also can mean staying away from them as much as possible.

[Mike E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

These mini-books (or pamphlets) are outstanding.

I am in the process of reading all of them. Concise. Biblical. Practical.

===========
Forgiveness is an event and a process. (8)

Forgiveness is not forgetting. (9) The word "remember" in this passage does not refer to "memory" but to "covenant."

Simply put, only someone who knows he has been forgiven will forgive others. (17)

We have done far worse things to God than anyone has ever done to us. (18)

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

[Carol Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is helpful and gives you some insights about why it’s not easy to forgive and how to forgive!

[Janette Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[CJ Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding introduction to forgiveness. Carefully explained and grounded in the gospel. Excellent distinction between the two aspects of vertical forgiveness (the heart before God, regardless of the offender's repentance), and horizontal forgiveness (a heartfelt commitment to "cancel the debt" made when the offender repents).

[Larry Wegman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a 24-page booklet, but still an excellent explanation of the why-to and how-to of forgiveness.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short and great summary of forgiveness.