Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive and Don't Know How

by Lewis B. Smedes

Book Overview

A wiser and seasoned Smedes offers hope and direction for all those seeking to understand and practice forgiveness. With compassion, insight, and illuminating example, he explains the three stages of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034541344X
• ISBN13: 9780345413444
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Hard to Understand- buy something else

This book is written for a person with a PhD. Doesn't make sense in many ways..... it rabbit trails the reader in all different directions. Look for something else you can use as a reference point when you are healing. It's a frustrating read.

the art of forgiving

This has to be the best book written on the subject. It makes you realize that forgivness is the only way to heal pain and hurt. You are not letting the other person off the hook, you are saying that you understand that they are only human and capable of error. The forgivness is on your part only, you do not even have to tell the person who hurt you that you forgive them, it cleanses your soul.

A Masterpiece!

For people who have been wronged and struggle with negative, consuming emotions, this title is the one to read. Smedes describes in great detail what it means to forgive, and that the benefit is not to the one forgiven, but to the one forgiving. His words here are like a long, cool drink of water to a soul parched from hatred, bitterness and animosity. There is great healing power in forgiveness, and Smedes harnesses that power in this book as few other authors have done.

Forgiving may not be what you think it is

I have bought this book at least four times, because each time I get it, someone desperately needs it, then they ask if they can keep it. Read this book if you've been hurt. It is very readable, and brings out what's really wrong inside. Forgiving very often is God's medicine for the heart, Reading this book may lead you towards a freedom you never thought you could have.

Realstic Guide to the Challenge of Forgiving Others

One of the most difficult struggles in interpersonal conflict is practicing forgiveness. There are many well-written works on this subject, but few match the depth and sensitivity of two by popular author and seminary professor, Lewis Smedes. The sequel to this one, Forgive and Forget, is a Christian classic on the subject. This volume, The Art of Forgiving, builds upon the concepts of the first. Smedes says: "We all know the right thing to do is usually the harder thing to do. I am continuing to struggle with forgiving and moving past conflict. I know that bitterness and anger taint my day to day existence, so why hold on to them? What or whose purpose does it serve? I'm not at the point where I could forgive the murderer of a loved one, but I strongly suggest to everyone reading this that you give up a lot of the hostility you carry around from petty disagreements with friends and colleagues. It really will make a difference in how you'll feel about yourself." Using many real life examples, this practical book illumines, step by step, the path of healing and the road to peace and freedom. It is an indispensable resource on the subject of forgiveness. If you only get one, get The Art of Forgiving, but if you want to double the blessing, get both.

A must read if you have been deeply hurt by a trusted friend

This book helped put it all in perspective for me, I had been deeply hurt by a trusted friend and I did not think I had what it took to forgive. This book showed me the way and helped me to realize that it is not an overnight process nor does forgiving mean reunion with that person. Forgiveness means freedom from the shackles of that painful experience. If you need to forgive and can't find the way, make this book your reference guide.