The Art of Forgiving [Hardcover]

Lewis B. Smedes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 1996

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 forgiveness, shows why we should forgive and whom we should forgive, explains how faith can help us find the strength to forgive, and demonstrates the steps we must take in order to forgive.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When a heinous act is committed, sometimes one wonders if forgiveness is even possible. Lewis B. Smedes would certainly advise it. "When we forgive," he says, "we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us." In an easy-to-read yet astute analysis of the meaning and value of forgiveness, Smedes teaches the reader that more than anything, forgiveness is a way of healing. He takes as his model the Judeo-Christian God and outlines the many subtleties involved in forgiveness, such as distinguishing anger from hate, and noting that we only forgive those we blame (including ourselves). Forgetting may be more difficult, but at least The Art of Forgiving can help us along the path toward release and healing. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 178 pages
• Publisher: Random House, Inc.; 1 edition (April 9, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345404122
• ISBN-13: 978-0345404121
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #564,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read if you have been deeply hurt by a trusted friend, January 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Forgiving (Paperback)

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.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realstic Guide to the Challenge of Forgiving Others, February 14, 2002

By 

Dr. Carlus Gupton "www.lifeandleadership.com" (Knoxville, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Forgiving (Paperback)

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.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forgiving may not be what you think it is, October 28, 2002

By 

Wayne McHugh (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Forgiving (Paperback)

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.