Forgiveness: Unleashing a Transformational Process
Overview
In Forgiveness, Larry Ellis addresses one of the most challenging topics: the receiving and giving of forgiveness. He addresses the historic Christian idea that forgiveness is the sole responsibility of the one who has been hurt or offended. Ellis puts forth an extensive development from ancient documents, pivotal biblical passages—especially Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—and a number of traumatizing realities of the current time. The chapter “Fictional Myths of Forgiveness” is particularly insightful, exposing a number of cultural perspectives that present a counterfeit imitation of forgiveness which will never lead to full reconciliation between persons in great conflict.
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- Foreword by Gerald L. Borchert
- Examines forgiveness in ancient and contemporary eras
- Offers practical application for daily living
- The Destructive Consequence of Innovative Forgiveness
- The Invitation
- We Are Programmed Wrong
- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
- The Process of Forgiveness
- The Meaning of Forgiveness
- Joseph’s Practice of Unconditional Forgiveness
- God’s Gift of Forgiveness
- Receiving and Extending Forgiveness
- Responding to God’s Forgiveness
- Our Forgiveness Choices about Others
- The Characteristics of Forgiveness
- Forgiveness Is Loving
- Forgiveness Is to Be Ongoing
- Forgiveness Is Merciful
- Forgiveness Does Not Retaliate
- Forgiveness Can Lead Us to Intervention
- Forgiveness Is Not Boastful
- Forgiveness Provides Unity
- Forgiveness Becomes an Act of Worship
- Popular Fictional Myths about Forgiveness
- Making Confession
- Looking at Confession
- Ancient Expressions of Confession
- The General Confession
- Lamenting Our Sins Reveals Our Confession
- Our Confession to Those from Whom We Seek Forgiveness
- The Nature of Repentance
- Prepare Ye the Way
- Repentance Is a Verb
- Repentance is Our Calling
- Repentance Is Internal and External
- Repentance Is Non-negotiable
- Repentance Is Ongoing
- Initiating Reconciliation
- Ancient Understanding of Reconciliation
- Reconciliation Transforms Conflicts unto Unity
- Ambassadors for Reconciliation
- Opportunities to Reclaim Transformational Forgiveness
- No Magical Formulas Exist
- Ready for Launch
- The Shift into Postmodernity
- We Can Respond in a Different Way
- The Recapitulation
- Love Is Paramount
- God’s Initiation Is the Foundation of Forgiveness
- Forgiveness of Others
- Forgive without Judgment
- Confession
- Repentance
- Concluding Thoughts
Top Highlights
“When we make another’s brokenness a precondition for our giving of forgiveness, it distracts us from focusing on our own heart and the work God wants to do there through the process of forgiveness.” (Page 14)
“Sacraments were affirmations by the individual and the body of Christ of what God had done, was doing, and would be doing in them individually and also within the Christian community.” (Page 43)
“Myth 10. If the other party does not accept my forgiveness, then I have not really forgiven” (Page 77)
“Myth 6. Forgiving someone means that I will be fully reconciled with the offender.” (Page 74)
“ absolutely necessary, never optional, and must not be conditional.” (Page 49)
I wish every believer could have the opportunity to read the wonderful new book by Larry Ellis called Forgiveness: Unleashing a Transformational Process. We have all been hurt and wounded and need to have a basic understanding of the power of forgiveness. As one who daily helps pick up the pieces of wounded lives I can attest from first-hand experience how the enemy uses resentment and unforgiveness to ruin countless lives. There is no doubt in my mind that many lives will be transformed by the Godly wisdom contained in the book. I strongly recommend this volume as a vital resource in your ministry arsenal.
—Dennis Jernigan, worship artist/song receiver/board member, Exodus Interational
Forgiveness: Unleashing a Transformational Process is an insightful and inspiring book. Larry is able to draw deeply from his personal experience as well as a variety of scholarly sources to provide some soulful challenges to the reflective and self-aware reader. I find myself compelled to pass along the message of hope that is found on every page.
—The Rev. Catherine Tran, spiritual director, Evergreen, Colorado
There is much here that is worthy of private thought and/or group discussion; but regardless of the attendant circumstances, Ellis’ treatment of the 13 ‘fictional myths about forgiveness’ should be required reading for every Christian now.
—Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of the religion department, Publishers Weekly
- Title: Forgiveness: Unleashing a Transformational Process
- Author: Larry Ellis
- Publisher: Larry Ellis
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 216
