The Sacred Art of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves and Others Through God's Grace

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. 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 .

by : Marcia Ford