Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past (40-Minute Bible Studies) - Softcover

Arthur, Kay; Lawson, David; Lawson, BJ

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0307457591 ISBN 13: 9780307457592

Publisher: WaterBrook, 2009

Synopsis

Unleash the Healing Power of Forgiveness

As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, we eventually confront in nearly every relationship the need to extend or receive forgiveness. But when the wounds run deep, forgiveness doesn’t come easy.

This eye-opening study deals with the difficult questions of forgiveness, including How can I forgive when the pain is so great? Does forgiving mean I have to forget the past? and What if I choose not to forgive? As you dig into what the Bible says on this vital topic, you’ll encounter the depths of God’s own mercy and discover how choosing forgiveness can free you from a painful past and propel you toward being all that God intends you to be.

About this title

About the Author

Kay Arthur, executive vice president and cofounder of Precept Ministries International (PMI), has worked with her teaching staff to create the powerful 40-Minute Bible Studies series. Kay is known around the world as a Bible teacher, author, conference speaker, and host of national radio and television programs.

David and BJ Lawson have been training people across the United States and around the world in the inductive Bible study method since 1997.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

FORGIVENESS:
BREAKING THE POWER
OF THE PAST
Outside, winter pierced the day with a frigid, blustery chill; inside, a similar iciness permeated the church. Among the people gathered for the funeral, twenty family members sat scattered in eighteen pews. Snippets of conversations drifted back as I waited for the service to begin.

“Poor old soul lived alone. It was such a shame that John didn’t visit his mother more than a couple of times a year.”

“Did Aunt Marilyn talk to you?” “No, and I’m not talking to her until she talks to me!”

“Why didn’t Rita come to the funeral?” “She got mad at Mother’s funeral and hasn’t talked to any of the family since.”

What happened to create such division within this family that even at a loved one’s funeral they sat apart from one another and talked among themselves about other family members who weren’t there?

Sadly, dysfunctional families are nothing new and hardly unusual. Dating back to the days of Cain and Abel, lack of forgiveness has destroyed countless relationships.

And although our deepest hurts may come from family, forgiveness isn’t simply a family issue; forgiveness is a people issue. In every relationship it’s certain we’ll need to extend or seek forgiveness at some point.

So this subject of forgiveness touches us all and brings to mind many questions, including...

How can I forgive when the pain is so great?

What about revenge? Is the other person going to get away with what they did?

What if I choose not to forgive?

Can I be forgiven of my past mistakes?

Does forgiving mean I have to forget the past?

For the next six weeks we’ll look to the Bible for the answers to these questions and others. You’ll learn how forgiveness not only cleanses your soul and frees your mind but also unlocks the chains that hold you captive to the person who wronged you.

Through this study you’ll learn how to unleash the power of forgiveness in your life, letting it propel you out of painful and awkward situations and freeing you from the pain of the past.

About this edition

• Publisher: WaterBrook
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0307457591
• ISBN 13: 9780307457592
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96