The Art of Forgiving Paperback – August 12, 1997

I have never read such a comprehensive and well-written guide to grieving and releasing hurts and offenses that require forgiveness as when I picked up this AWESOME FIND!! The process that true healing takes far exceeds the time and energy needed to dig into this easy-read, but TAKE that TIME and do not seek to rush it. There could be no greater effort you make for your own sense of peace and well-being than to work out your pain and personal hurt, give it to the Lord, and restore joy to your soul, attitude, aspect, and life!! Hallelujah for this man who has the courage and clarity to define true, Biblical forgiveness in a world that tries to suggest a very different and damaging definition and process (e.g., "forgive and forget", "time heals all wounds", "shake it off", etc.) Whatever the offense or degree of hurt, it matters to God and should not be overlooked...that only leads to bitterness and living a lie! There is no blessing or healing for the embittered person who "drinks the poison daily, expecting their offender to die"! Thank you, Mr. Smedes, for helping a hurting world in this way!!!

I'm enjoying reading this book. It has been very informative and enlightening.

I gave this book 5 stars because it really helped me to understand better what it means to forgive. Forgiveness is more than saying sorry and true forgiveness is a process. The part that really sticks with me is that forgiveness is found when we rediscover the humanity in the person that hurt us. It was also helpful to learn the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and that forgiveness doesn't mean we go back to what we had, but that we can move forward to new things, new relationships.A very good book, easy to read in a week, but one that will take a life time to really grasp and put into practice.

This book helped me to see some things I didn't know. Forgiveness is such an important act to do, but it's also important to understand what forgiveness is about, what it requires. I love the practical examples written in this book. I would recommend it to a friend.

Tremendous book. Highly recommended. Helped our family.

forgiving is clearly defined, described & illustrated in this book...scriptures & different scenarios show the importance of forgiveness in our lives...

It's ok... forgiveness is a very useful activity for ourselves... and then as improve in that self-knowing we affect others... but all this also presumes that forgiveness is even needed. Is it? just a thought... and if so, for whom? to whom?

One of the best books I have ever read on Forgiveness. The healing I have received from the information in the book and how well it is written. I suggest every family has one and reads it. Great tool for moving forward in life. Solid information that allows healing and encourages one. This is a special gift you give yourself!