Forgiveness. Why is it so hard to talk about forgiveness? I know at times I find myself slow to forgive others (and even harder to let that hurt go from my memory) and I am even slower to forgive myself. It has only been through my faith over the years and my hours spent at Church in prayer and mass that I found some understanding on the word forgiveness.
“God’s forgiveness by it’s very nature is rooted in His grace and mercy – it is something that can not be earned it is a gift” – The Fragrance of Crushed Violets
Cathy Bryant (author of A Bridge Unbroken) brings us this incredible and thought provoking companion Bible study booklet on the topic of forgiveness. Cathy examines relevant Bible scriptures to explore the meaning and understanding of forgiveness, God’s process in forgiveness and how to forgive.
Cathy examines the current understanding of forgiveness and all the emotions that can contribute and make it harder to forgive (anger, resentment, vengeance and pride) as well as the Christian meaning of forgiveness. She gives us relevant scriptures and questions to help us examine the most hurtful moments in our life that we may still be holding on to and how to release that.
“Forgiveness isn’t natural. It is supernatural” – The Fragrance of Crushed Violets
I worked my way through the guide (roughly forty pages) over a period of two weeks. Each stage has it’s own questions and suggested Bible readings. I loved how thought provoking her questions were. It really had me examining my current feelings and some resentment that I have held on to over the years without truly forgiving the individual who harmed me.
Even harder was learning to forgive myself. I used a lot of the questions in relation to myself and some poor choices I had made that only I felt were affecting my current life. Between this book, prayer and attending Church I have found a way to forgive myself. Forgiveness is a continuous act – when I feel myself building up again I find myself re-reading the guide and praying in order to re-release the hurt I hold against myself.
“To be a Christian means forgiving the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you” – C.S. Lewis
I love this guide and all the relevant life questions and readings it provides. As forgiving is a constant act and life is constantly changing this is an important guide to have around to help you work through all the difficult times.
Cathy is now giving one of you the chance to win your own digital copy of the guide. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this guide in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
