Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past

by ARTHUR, KAYLAWSON, DAVID

• ISBN13: 9780307457592
• ISBN10: 0307457591
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2009-07-21
• Publisher: WaterBrook

Summary

Unleash the Healing Power of Forgiveness As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, we eventually confront in nearly every relationship the need to extend or receive forgiveness. But when the wounds run deep, forgiveness doesn't come easy. This eye-opening study deals with the difficult questions of forgiveness, includingHow can I forgive when the pain is so great? Does forgiving mean I have to forget the past?andWhat if I choose not to forgive?As you dig into what the Bible says on this vital topic, you'll encounter the depths of God's own mercy and discover how choosing forgiveness can free you from a painful past and propel you toward being all that God intends you to be. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Author Biography

Kay Arthur, executive vice president and cofounder of Precept Ministries International (PMI), has worked with her teaching staff to create the powerful 40-Minute Bible Studies series. Kay is known around the world as a Bible teacher, author, conference speaker, and host of national radio and television programs.

David and BJ Lawson have been training people across the United States and around the world in the inductive Bible study method since 1997.

Excerpts

FORGIVENESS:
BREAKING THE POWER
OF THE PAST
Outside, winter pierced the day with a frigid, blustery chill; inside, a similar iciness permeated the church. Among the people gathered for the funeral, twenty family members sat scattered in eighteen pews. Snippets of conversations drifted back as I waited for the service to begin.

“Poor old soul lived alone. It was such a shame that John didn’t visit his mother more than a couple of times a year.”

“Did Aunt Marilyn talk to you?” “No, and I’m not talking to her until she talks to me!”

“Why didn’t Rita come to the funeral?” “She got mad at Mother’s funeral and hasn’t talked to any of the family since.”

What happened to create such division within this family that even at a loved one’s funeral they sat apart from one another and talked among themselves about other family members who weren’t there?

Sadly, dysfunctional families are nothing new and hardly unusual. Dating back to the days of Cain and Abel, lack of forgiveness has destroyed countless relationships.

And although our deepest hurts may come from family, forgiveness isn’t simply afamilyissue; forgiveness is apeopleissue. In every relationship it’s certain we’ll need to extend or seek forgiveness at some point.

So this subject of forgiveness touches us all and brings to mind many questions, including…

How can I forgive when the pain is so great?

What about revenge? Is the other person going to get away with what they did?

What if I choose not to forgive?

Can I be forgiven of my past mistakes?

Does forgiving mean I have to forget the past?

For the next six weeks we’ll look to the Bible for the answers to these questions and others. You’ll learn how forgiveness not only cleanses your soul and frees your mind but also unlocks the chains that hold you captive to the person who wronged you.

Through this study you’ll learn how to unleash the power of forgiveness in your life, letting it propel you out of painful and awkward situations and freeing you from the pain of the past.

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Excerpted from Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past by David Lawson, B. J. Lawson, Kay Arthur
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.