The following are Web Site links and descriptions of various resources that deal with bitterness and forgiveness. We pray they will minister to your spirit and to your marriage.

• NavPress Articles on depression — This web site has several articles you can read on forgiveness including, “Forgive and Forget and Other Myths of Forgiveness.” After reading that article go to the left side bar where you will see “Related Topics” which also has other articles on “Forgiveness.” To read these articles, please click HERE.

• HoyWeb.com — This web site provides articles that you can read on various topics including several listed in their Frequently Asked Questions section on the subject of “Forgiveness.” To select the articles you would like to read, please click HERE.

RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONS:

• FORGIVE AND FORGET …Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve -by Lewis B Smedes, published by Harper One. This book isn’t exclusively for marriage, but it includes it. It deals with the topic of forgiveness from minor “slights” to devastating hurts and helps you to reach out for the healing that eludes those who cling onto unforgiveness for whatever reason. As the author says (which we’ve personally found to be true), “The only way to heal the pain that will not heal itself is to forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiving stops the reruns of pain. Forgiving heals your memory as you change your memory’s vision.” This book answers many of my questions that can plague us on the issue of forgiveness. It is a terrific book, and is worth reading more than once. We recommend it highly! Buy this book now.

• SHAME AND GRACE … Healing the Shame We Don’t Deserve –by Lewis B Smedes, published by Harper One. This book deals with recognizing and remedying the undeserved shame that burdens our spirit and crushes whatever joy we could obtain. If you persistently feel don’t measure up, you are feeling shame — that “vague”, undefined heaviness that presses on our spirit, dampens our gratitude for the goodness of life,” and diminishes our joy. The good news is that shame can be healed. With warmth and wit, Lewis B. Smedes examines why and how we feel shamed and presents a profound, spiritual plan for healing. Step by step, Smedes outlines the road to well-being and the peace that comes from knowing we are accepted by “the grace of One whose acceptance of us matters most.” Buy this book now.

• THE NEW FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS -by David Augsburger, published by Moody Publishers. “Seventy times seven …How many times shall I forgive? Our Lord answers us clearly that our forgiveness of those who hurt us shall have no end. This is one of the most difficult things any person has to face. David Augsburger understands this. He knows the outrageous cost and incomparable value of forgiving. He also knows this is a believer’s only option. Any other course of action will not only be destructive, it will violate the will of God. In this book Dr. Augsburger expands upon his classic writing to provide a more comprehensive, expanded, and stronger message. Combining personal testimonies with Scripture, Dr. Augsburger provides readers with practical guidance on applying forgiveness in our everyday lives. With a new study guide contained within the book, you will be challenged on an even deeper level. The New Freedom of Forgiveness is an essential resource not only for understanding what God requires, but also learning how to apply it every day.” Buy this book now.

• The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships -by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas, published by Northfield Publishing. This book is to help people learn the art of apology. As one of the authors said, “I believe that people have different ways of apologizing, and what one person considers a sincere apology is not what another person may consider a sincere apology. In essence, they have different languages of apology.” The first half of the book goes into the research on this and identifies and describes each of the five languages of apology. The second half illustrates how to enhance relationships through what they’re teaching about apologizing. As they say, “What would the world be like if we all learned to apologize effectively?

• WHEN FORGIVENESS DOESN’T MAKE SENSE -by Robert Jeffress, published by Waterbrook Press. Pastor Jeffress approaches the subject of forgiveness in a very readable way from an angle that is new. “Forgiveness, according to Jeffress, is more for the victim than the offender, to prevent the festering of bitterness in the heart of the person wronged.” He points out “various possible responses from all parties involved, discussing forgiveness as it is related to forgetting (it is not the same as forgetting, he emphasizes), consequences, repentance and reconciliation.” This engaging, accessible book is written in an easy style and supplemented with numerous anecdotes. Jeffress “has taken what some would deem a touchy topic and made it palatable, offering a concrete process for extending and receiving forgiveness.” Buy this book now.

• WHEN YOU CAN’T SAY “I FORGIVE YOU” …Breaking the bonds of Anger and Hurt, by Grace Ketterman and David Hazard, published by NavPress Publishing. This book acknowledges that three of the hardest words to utter in any language are “I forgive you.” “We say we forgive, but in the dark of the night, the pain surfaces. We can’t seem to erase it from our memories. We want those who hurt us to suffer as we have. Must we be eaten up by pain for the rest of our lives? Is forgiveness just a nice dream? No healthy mind can totally forget a wound that leaves ugly scars, but to remember with a bitter heart is a sign of only partial forgiveness.” This book “walks you step by step along the path of complete forgiveness: a forgiveness that admits pain, attempts to understand the other person, and finally, lets go. Licensed physician Grace Ketterman validates this counsel by sharing her own shocking story of divorce, shame, and reconciliation. Through her gentle approach, compelling stories, and David’s teaching, you will discover the power to make it through the process of forgiveness — past the vulnerability, pain, and anger— toward a true change of heart.” Buy this book now.

 Print This Page

 Email This Page