Unpacking Forgiveness Reviewed

12 thoughts on “Unpacking Forgiveness Reviewed”

  1. A great review. Thanks for helping me understand forgiveness and the eternal impact that it has on me. I am looking forward to 2nd edition!
    I got a kick out of Dan’s word, “evanjellybeanical” I think it was. LOL. That guy seems like kind of a card.

    Thankful to God for all you do, Chris; for me and so many others.

  2. That was a great review. I have finished the book and I’m sure to go back to it often. Pointing to scripture of where to find what Chris says in “Unpacking”, is a huge help to me, not always knowing where to look. It also gives good argument to some who may disagree, and think forgiveness is all just a simple everyday thing we do as Christians. It’s not simple and automatic, but this book certainly gives anyone a clear picture of what we are to do as Christians. Final comment: “Unpacking Forgiveness” is a great, stick with you book!

  3. Thank you so much for your interaction on Pyro, especially regarding the “mental gerbil wheel.” My struggle with this is not when you are dealing with someone who has repented, but with one who has not</i. I want to pursue and offer forgiveness, I long to give it, for God to grant her the gift of repentance, but my family member now threatens that even the mention of this will result in complete ostracism (because she denies all sin because “her conscience is clear). And so, almost every day, I wake up and every night fall asleep thinking of the situation, and wrestling over what I could say, and what awful thing she will say in return. And thus the wheel keeps spinning.

    Your words about focussing on Christ and His Word instead are no doubt applicable on this end too. I’m making special note to call my friend who has a copy of your book waiting for me to make sure to find me tomorrow at our Bible study so I get it right away.

    God bless you and this great work.

  4. Rachael, you’re on the right track. Having done what you could do – – now give the matter to God and live at peace with all people so far as it depends on you (Rom 12:18).

    I do think there are a couple of sections in my book that God might use to encourage you.

  5. Thank you, and apologies for the seeming, ahem, overwrought nature of all the italics. 🙂

  6. No, not at all, you didn’t come across as “overwrought.”

    But, it’s a good word in any case. I might look for a chance to use it in the next 48 hours . . . though hopefully not in describing myself.

  7. I know this has probably been covered elsewhere, but can we unpack the role of godly parents who have grown children that have walked away from the Lord.

    A hypothetical (all too common one): college daughter chooses to cohabit with boyfriend. Gives ultimatum laced with bitterness. “Either you accept my lifestyle or have nothing to do with me.”

    Is there a manner in which hurting parents may or should communicate the path to forgiveness? Should this be frequently repeated? Should estrangement be accepted? That is to say, if the daughter chooses to place unreasonable conditions on their relationship, should the parents find ways to stay connected (emails, calls, cards, and etc.)? How best can they show love, forgiveness, truth, holiness?

    Finally, what absolutes are essential in such an arrangement?

  8. Scott, I haven’t commented on this one personally. I think it is an excellent question and one that we pastors encounter very frequently. I think I’ll post on it. But, even then, it will be inadequate I am sure.

  9. Thank you, Chris. Your post was extremely helpful. I had read a shorter version of Abraham Piper’s comments before. But the fuller version was a blessing.

    My wife and I have 6 kids ranging 19 to 2. I cannot imagine the heartache parents go through whose children walk away from God.

    Some time ago I saw a sermon online of Jim Cymbla sharing his testimony from Jack Hayford’s pulpit about his own daughter’s prodigal years and subsequent repentance.

    This is an all too common event. And, boy, it must hurt.

  10. Only minutes ago did I read the review of your book on the Pyromaniacs website and am so grateful. I have struggled for YEARS with issues of forgiveness, something close to what Rachael is going through (at least I gather such from her description), and this was the first time my thoughts have really been confirmed. God has truly answered prayers just from the little I’ve read. I can’t wait to buy and read the book.

  11. Corrine, I am thankful to hear that Unpacking Forgiveness may be of help.

    Do let me know what you think after you get it.

    I enjoyed looking at your profile and web page. Thanks for stopping by.

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