Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope [Paperback]

Everett L. Worthington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2003

A 2003 Templeton Foundation Book of Distinction!

All of us have suffered painful emotional and relational hurts. God calls us to forgive those who have hurt us, but that's often easier said than done. We don't usually know how to forgive others, nor are we always sure if we have truly forgiven them.

Psychologist and counselor Everett L. Worthington Jr., the leading Christian researcher on forgiveness, says that forgiving is a gift we give to others. When we offer forgiveness to others as an altruistic gift, it is more effective than when we forgive only for our own benefit in an effort to "get over" the hurt. True forgiveness is accomplished through a careful process of understanding both the offense and the offender and taking active steps to forgiveness. In this insightful and practical book, Worthington provides a wealth of clinically proven tools and exercises for moving toward forgiveness.

Worthington's expertise comes not only from years of scientific research but also from the experience of the brutal murder of his own mother. His convictions were put to the test as he worked through his conflicting emotions and rage toward the murderer. He found that the principles of Christian forgiveness enabled him to forgive even his mother's killer.

While forgiveness is something that we can do on our own, reconciliation involves another party. Worthington brings both themes together and shows how we can move beyond forgiveness and cross the bridge to reconciliation. This book, previously published as has been fully revised to make clear the scriptural foundations of Christian forgiveness. Biblical, authoritative and pastorally sound, this guide will be of help to anyone who wants to find the freedom of forgiveness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a terrific book; it is the most practical of all the books on forgiveness. More than that, it is a sheer delight to read, and at times very moving." (Lewis Smedes, author of Forgive and Forget)

"Dr. Worthington's book and program offer a simple, compassionate way to achieve the gift of true forgiveness." (Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize laureate)

About the Author

Everett L. Worthington Jr., Ph.D., is professor and chair of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as director of VCU's Marital Assessment, Therapy, and Enrichment Center and as executive director of the Templeton Foundation's Campaign for Forgiveness Research. He has studied forgiveness since the 1980s and has written over 150 articles and papers on forgiveness, marriage and family issues. He is the author of seventeen books, including To Forgive Is Human, Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling and Marriage Counseling. He has appeared on national media programs such as Good Morning America, The Leeza Show, CNN and The 700 Club.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; Revised edition (September 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830832440
• ISBN-13: 978-0830832446
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Biblical, and Research Supported March 13, 2009

By Josh Spurlock

Format:Paperback

In marriage and in life people are going to hurt you. That's just a fact. Life is not fair or always kind. How we respond to these realities of life makes all the difference in the world as to how we FEEL and rather we enjoy life or are miserable. In this practical, Biblical, and research supported approach to subject of forgiveness and reconciliation, Dr. Worthington helps us learn how to forgive and when to reconcile. He helps individuals understand that forgiveness does not necessarily mean also reconciling. Sometimes reconciliation is neither wise or even possible. However, forgiveness is always wise, and necessary for us to enjoy life; though not easy. This book will help.
You can also find help at GetRelationshipHelp.com or in Southwest Missouri at Tri-Lakes Relational Center Springfield, 417.496.1867.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Steps To A Better Future! December 5, 2009

By Paige L. Chargois

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Dr. Worthington deeply engages his readers in two steps they can take to insure a better future for themselves as they navigate the often difficult waters of human relationships! First of all he helps to empower them to forgive; secondly, he provides them with the emotional and psychological tools with which many relationships might be restored through the process of reconciliation! His writings are scientifically rich via the research he presents in the book as well as being spiritually sound, and relationally wise! His practical approaches offer wondrous healing and new possibilities to all humans who have experienced any depth of brokenness in their personal or professional relationships.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and well written April 29, 2013

By Ramona Berman

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book teaches the REACH method of forgiveness in a manner that is easily understood and useful to both the professional counselor and the lay person.