The Sacred Art Of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves and Others through God's Grace [Paperback]

Marcia Ford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 2006

Everyone knows that forgiveness is a virtue and a key to emotional, spiritual and even physical well-being. But learning how to actually forgive--or to accept forgiveness, as the case may be--is a sacred art few of us have mastered.

It doesn't have to be that way. Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, Marcia Ford offers a new perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation, an approach rooted in the Spirit that can be learned by anyone no matter how deep the hurt. Through real-life examples, penetrating reflections, scriptural references and practical suggestions, Ford outlines the steps that one by one can help you to forgive, including:

* Coming to terms with anger, bitterness and resentment
* Understanding the differences between forgiveness and reconciliation
* Taking the initiative, even when you're the one who's been wronged
* Strategies for listening "with the heart" in emotionally charged situations
* Knowing when to forgive and forget--and when to forgive and take action
* Ways of allowing the power of the Divine to work through you
* Finding compassion for others--and for yourself
... and much more

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Forgiveness—a simple concept that is complex and difficult to live out—is basic to most all spiritual paths. Ford (Memoir of a Misfit) helps iron out the complexities by sharing personal and historical stories of real people who forgive, giving scriptural encouragement for forgiveness and providing questions and practice exercises at the end of each chapter. What's more, she does all this with an inviting, witty tone reminiscent of a chat with a friend over coffee. Her stated purpose is to provide a book on forgiveness that stresses the spiritual connection we foster with God when we forgive. In doing so, she puts the Divine in the forefront. We forgive because God shows us how: "God wrote the book on the sacred act of forgiveness." Although our call is always to forgive, Ford recognizes the thorniness of forgiving someone who is persistently abusive. "Anyone who tries to make you believe that forgiveness always requires reunion is someone who neither understands forgiveness nor has your best interests at heart," she explains. This primer belongs in the hands of anyone who needs to give or receive forgiveness. (May)
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Review

"I dare a person to finish this book without reflecting on someone due--or overdue--forgiveness. With poignant personal and spiritual examples, Ford guides readers on the path to make this closure happen." -- Carol Fitzgerald, founder, faithfulreader.com

"I thought I knew everything there was to know about forgiveness, until I read this book." -- Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, editor of Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation and Rosh Hashanah Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation

"Worth a hundred other books on prayer and spirituality. Do we want to experience God? There is no better way to start than by forgiving the friend or relative who has hurt us." --Robert Ellsberg, author of The Saints' Guide to Happiness

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Pub (May 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594731756
• ISBN-13: 978-1594731754
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,549 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mostly, I'm a book author, with 18 traditionally published books. I'm also a ghostwriter, though of course I can't talk specifically about those books; let's just say that I've ghostwritten or contributed to 12 additional books. I'm also a book editor, book reviewer, writing instructor, writing mentor, and journalist. I'm married with two adult daughters, and I have a special interest in postmodern spirituality.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars christian books, August 16, 2010

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isabel "isabel" (CO) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Sacred Art Of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves and Others through God's Grace (Paperback)

This is the best book I've read on forgiveness. Yes, I was looking for answers and found them. I realized how I was living my life and what I chose to define me. Also I realized how much Christ loves us, and I found a pathway to real healing in my heart. Ms. Ford's insightfulness into forgiveness will touch you heart and soul, and can lead you to a new mind in Christ. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Ms. Ford truly writes with the grace of God.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a graceful gift, June 25, 2006

By 

Becky Garrison "author, "Jesus Died for T... - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sacred Art Of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves and Others through God's Grace (Paperback)

I first connected with Marcia Ford over her insightful book Memoirs of a Misfit. Her seering honesty and gentle tone really resonated with me and affirmed my uniqueness as a child of God. With this book, I connected with her once again in a very deep and profound manner. Here she has employed spiritual insights from a variety of religions and her own personal experiences to guid me along a very rocky path of forgiveness. Highly recommended.