Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God's Way

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

In a broken world with fallen people, we have all experienced the pain of offense. Though we have been forgiven through Christ, extending that same mercy to those who have wronged us can still feel difficult. How do we move through the pains of abandonment, betrayal, and abuse to obey Jesus’ command to forgive?

Living Beyond Offense explores Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness―what it is, how to do it, and what you gain when you put it into practice. Bringing together theology, Scripture, and pieces of her own life story, Yana Conner helps you
 

• honestly acknowledge and grieve the pain and loss that often comes with offense
• replace faulty cultural ideas about forgiveness with a biblical perspective centered on Jesus’ teachings
• resolve conflicts by applying best practices for communicating your hurt to others
• thoughtfully engage in the work of forgiveness and, when possible, pursue reconciliation

 
Forgiveness is hard work, but with God’s help, it’s possible and worth it. Despite the pain you have experienced, you can live beyond offense and learn to trust again.

Yana Jenay Conner (MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is a writer and Bible teacher who helps others think well about faith and culture. By God’s grace, she has served in full-time ministry for over 15 years, forming disciples and developing leaders within the local church. Her work is shaped by a deep love for the Church and a commitment to Scripture, spiritual formation, and guiding others from brokenness toward wholeness in Christ. She is the author of Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God’s Way, which offers readers a practical, hope-filled path toward emotional healing and freedom.