‘Why is it better for me to forgive someone and take on the cost of that forgiveness myself?’
In his new book, renowned pastor and author Timothy Keller grapples with this thorny question: why we should forgive those who hurt us. It is the heart of the gospel, but it’s not solely important on a religious level; the matter of forgiveness has a huge impact on social and cultural levels, in terms of how we deal with the people, and problems, in our lives. What is it like to carry around resentment and judgement, and what does it cost us to do so – as against the very real personal cost of extending forgiveness to others? These are issues that matter on a daily level, as well as a spiritual one.
Writing with his trademark wisdom and deep reliance on the Bible, Keller helps readers think about these questions in a way that will help them rethink their lives, in ways that point to Jesus showing us how to live in the world – and how we can live in a spirit of forgiveness.
In his new book, renowned pastor and author Timothy Keller grapples with this thorny question: why we should forgive those who hurt us. It is the heart of the gospel, but it’s not solely important on a religious level; the matter of forgiveness has a huge impact on social and cultural levels, in terms of how we deal with the people, and problems, in our lives. What is it like to carry around resentment and judgement, and what does it cost us to do so – as against the very real personal cost of extending forgiveness to others? These are issues that matter on a daily level, as well as a spiritual one.
Writing with his trademark wisdom and deep reliance on the Bible, Keller helps readers think about these questions in a way that will help them rethink their lives, in ways that point to Jesus showing us how to live in the world – and how we can live in a spirit of forgiveness.
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Reviews
Pastor Keller delivers a thorough and eloquent apologetic for forgiveness... All will appreciate Keller's lucid prose and gift for succinctly summarizing biblical wisdom. The result is a thought-provoking take on how to forgive.
"Both in my devotional life and in my development as a Christian thinker I have constantly turned to the work of Tim Keller. His writing and speaking have been a constant source of gracious wisdom to Christians in confusing times. 'Forgive' is a book that deals masterfully with one of the central tenets of Christianity, and reveals just how different our lives and the world could look if we took seriously the words and example of Jesus. There is no one for whom this book will not be relevant at some point in their life. Read it and pass it on to others."
Full of cultural references and solid biblical exposition, Keller deftly explains why the need to forgive is so essential in a society that seems, increasingly, to hang onto hurt feelings and desire vengeance. Without shying away from the thorny issues of church abuse, seeking justice and dealing with the real-world consequences of others' bad behaviour, Keller nevertheless makes the case for forgiving as God commands. But he doesn't leave the reader there. he also provides a practical guide on how to do this.