Forgiven by Grace: I Choose to Forgive

This book highlights the importance of forgiveness as a conscious act that fosters healing, reduces stress, and enriches life. It underscores the role of forgiveness in building meaningful relationships and personal transformation. Dr. Thomas communicates these insights in a clear and relatable way for universal understanding and daily application to people of all walks of life. Mrs Rajeswari Siva, Retired Professor, Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, CMC Vellore.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Varghese, fondly known as Ivanachen, was born, raised, and educated in Chathenkerry village of Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India. Born to Christian parents as one among four siblings, he was dedicated to God's work at the tender age of five. From early childhood, his parents intentionally nurtured and mentored him towards a life of service in God's vineyard, shaping his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and pastoral leadership. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Literature and an Evangelical Teacher's Training Diploma from North West Bible College, Kirkland, Washington, USA; M.A. in Political Science from Bangalore University; M.Th. in Pastoral Theology and Counselling; and D.Min. in Pastoral Studies from the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Kothanur, Bengaluru. His distinguished service includes roles such as Chief Student Editor, St. Aloysius College, Edathua (1972); Coordinator, Youth for Christ, Seattle, and Indian Christian Fellowship, Seattle, USA (1976-1980); Assistant Secretary, Board for Youth Work, STECI (1980-1982); Presbyter, STECI (from May 31, 1981 to date); Correspondent, Bethel Matriculation School, Zuzuvadi, SIPCOT, Hosur, Tamil Nadu (1989-2010); and Visiting Faculty, Jubilee Memorial College, Urapakkam, Chennai (1992-2002). He has also served as Administrator of the Bahya Kerala District, Vice-President of the Bahya Kerala and Bahya India Diocese of STECI, and President of Prajothan Education and Charitable Society (2006 to date). In addition, he served two terms as Chairman of the SAIACS Alumni Association and was honoured with the prestigious SAIACS Alumnus Award in 2013. Rev. Dr. Thomas Varghese has written extensively on pastoral, social, and theological concerns. His publications include Abuse of Women in Indian Christian Families - Role of Clergymen, Church and Theological Institutions (2013; revised 2018), By Grace to Graze: A Walk Through a Pastor's Life (2015; revised 2020), Down the Aisle (2017; revised 2019), In My Father's Business (2023, Ecumenical Book Services, Chennai), Jesus Heard, Spoke, Touched - Power of Communication (2022), Voyage Through Lent (2024), and Quit or Cope (2025). Several of his works are published by ISPCK, New Delhi, reflecting his enduring contribution to the Church, society, and biblical reflections.