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Forgiveness: A Lenten Study

Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all Christian believers. Lent, a time to reflect on our Christian journey, is an appropriate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. Marjorie J. Thompson, author of the best-selling book Soul Feast, takes a close look at our understanding of forgiveness in this encouraging study. In six brief chapters, Thompson addresses such questions as the following:Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances? Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive?Is forgiveness a matter between individuals, or is it meaningful only in the context of communities?Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured?How do we get past emotional barriers to real forgiveness?Using biblical examples and real-life situations, Thompson illustrates each chapter’s theme in an informative and engaging way. A study guide is also included at the back of the book that is appropriate for either individual reflection or group discussion. With clarity, insight, and sensitivity, this book is the perfect resource for examining both our ability to forgive and our own need for forgiveness.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (January 3, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0664259723

ISBN-13: 978-0664259723

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #648,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #105 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Holidays > Easter & Lent #1132 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Dating & Relationships #1845 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Meditations

Desmond Tutu once said, "There is no future without forgiveness." In the same light, author Marjorie Thompson asserts that "There is no Christianity without forgiveness." Recognizing that life is "inextricably connected" to forgiveness, Lent is a time that we learn to empty ourselves of ourselves so that we can make room for God and others. Far too often, people have allowed their unconscious self-ego and conscious self-seeking to dominate others for the sake of self, instead of giving oneself up for the sake of others. For to be Christlike is about learning to give of oneself and to forgive others no matter how much wrong had been inflicted. Knowing how important and also the difficulty in the act and art of forgiving, Presbyterian pastor and author of "Soul Feast" attempts to show us the way of forgiveness through six chapters of thought-provoking meditations of Bible passages in order to accomplish three purposes.1) Learning to listen to voices outside and inside;2) Learning to discern the subject of forgiveness from a biblical and theological standpoint;3) Learning to cultivate a heart and mind for forgiveness.Beginning with Luke 15:11-32, the famous passage of the parable of the loving father and the prodigal son, Thompson seeks to demonstrate that the story is not just about one person seeking forgiveness, namely the runaway son, but forgiveness is communal. It impacts not just the individual but whole communities. Although offenses are different, the response of forgiveness is the same. It is because God is Trinity, and desires to welcome us into fellowship, that we too need to welcome others into one another's fellowship. For it turns one's enemy into kinsman which leads us to the true shalom of God.

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