Forgiving As We've Been Forgiven: Community Practices for Making Peace

by L. Gregory Jones, Célestin Musekura

Christians are supposed to forgive others as we've been forgiven. But hearing the call to forgive is different from knowing how to practice forgiveness at home and in the world. Forgiveness is about more than the isolated acts and words of individuals. To forgive and be forgiven, we need communal practices and disciplines for a way of life that makes for peace. Greg Jones and Célestin Musekura describe how churches and communities can cultivate the habits that make forgiveness possible on a daily basis. Following the Rwandan genocide, Musekura lost his father and other family members to revenge killings. But then he heard God tell him to forgive the killers. The healing power of forgiveness in his own life inspired him to work for forgiveness and reconciliation across Africa. Jones, author of Embodying Forgiveness, interacts with Musekura's story to show how people can practice forgiveness not only in dramatic situations like genocide but also in everyday circumstances of marriage, family and congregational life. Together they demonstrate that forgiving and being forgiven are mutually reciprocating practices that lead to transformation and healing.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2010

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice, given in the context of someone (Celestin Musekura) who knows that of which he speaks. I appreciate the rootedness of this book, that it isn't just theory, but that it is clear how the principles of forgiveness have worked themselves out practically in the lives of all kinds of people--especially in the midst of conflict in central Africa. Jones' two chapters provide helpful practical advice, defining what forgiveness looks like in six steps, and also talking about the connection between forgiveness and memory. In the latter case, I appreciated the way Jones points us toward remembering well, taking those old memories and putting them in a different context than the anger or shame that has plagued us over the years.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book that shows forgiveness at the heart of Christianity. Because the Lord has forgiven us of all our sins, we must forgive others who have sinned against us, both individually and communally. One of the authors, Celestin Musekura, lost several family members in the Rwandan genocide of the 1990's. He has a unique perspective on the necessity of being communities that forgive rather than continue to live as separate warring tribes. While the forgiveness I must seek and grant has nothing to do with genocide, As Celestin has said, America has more tribes than Africa. For example, I care a lot about the black lives matter movement and also public education. It would be easy for me to foster animosity toward those who are not in those tribes with me.

The book is short and easy to read. I chose to read 5 or 6 pages a day and then I also read one of the Bible passages mentioned in the section I read. That method helped me really absorb the message so that it hopefully it will stay in my heart after the book goes back on the shelf. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about having peace and making peace.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for the Journey group A Way if Life. I felt uncomfortable and convicted by some of what they had to say about forgiveness and I feel like I need to discuss the topic for hours. What would it look like for me to forgive the people who are doing terrible things in the name of politics in our country? Thankfully we will be discussing in our group, though I may need to avoid digging in to the political topics with the group. ;)

[Ruth Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and a useful start point for considering this issue but not the in depth exploration of achieving forgiveness that I was hoping. Still helpful though with thought provoking concepts that lay good groundwork.

[Graydon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A convicting and beautiful call to make forgiveness a daily practice, no matter what. Musekura speaks with authority, as someone whose family members were brutally murdered in Rwanda, and his call to forgive has the ability to transform communities.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in the same series as Reconciling All Things and has a similar tone/approach. Drawing from examples of deeply divided cultures in Africa, L. Gregory Jones provides insights for healing deep divisions in our personal lives and country today.

[Brenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty amazing perspective, highly recommend this book!

[Stacy Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgiveness is a loaded topic. Although no major “ah-ha” moment in this book, I did highlight a number of key statements.

[Ben Zajdel]

This book would be powerful on its own, but the fact that one of the authors hails from Rwanda lends it even more credence. Musekura was not in Rwanda when the genocide of 1994 occurred, but most of his family was. Since then, he has come to work with many of those who organized the murders of his loved ones. Musekura left a well-paying job to work for the reconciliation of his country.

The authors start with a premise that seems simple, but is so hard for us to understand: forgiveness is not something we can do on our own. It has to be enabled by God. There is an interesting chapter titled "The Dance of Forgiveness" in which Jones lays out the awkward steps of forgiveness which much be rehearsed over and over again before we are able to practice them daily in a forgiving community.

The other focus is on the transforming power of Christ in the work of forgiveness. The authors emphatically point out that forgiveness involves the heart, mind and actions. The book concludes with a discussion of Christian communities that have embraced forgiveness. There is also a study guide included.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celestin Musekura is co-author of this book with L. Gregory Jones and it is Musekura's contribution that makes this book so outstanding. Musekura is a Rwandan who lost family members in the genocide and whose mother is now cared for by a tribal member whose family members killed others in Musekura's family. The story of how Musekura struggled with and practiced and taught forgiveness is compelling and underscores the radical power of the gospel to heal deep divisions and wounds not only between individuals but between warring communities.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed by this book. I was looking for a book on the steps to achieve forgiveness and this was not it. The book is too mired with Episcopal rhetoric. I wanted a book I could recommend to my clients, but this was not it.

[Pete Kersker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This co-authored book alternates chapters between the writers. Each comes from a different background and culture, yet both have excellent insights into the forgiveness and reconciliation process.

[Kyle Reschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celestin has become a good friend in the last year. I am inspired by his work, life, approach to reconciliation, and all that is organization ALARM is doing around the world.

[Karl Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read on forgiveness