Choosing Forgiveness

I don’t really care to admit how much I needed to read this book so thanks for not asking me about that. How polite of you.

I should probably just keep this book sitting here by my computer because every time I look at the title, Choosing Forgiveness, I’m reminded just how much I need to do that. Or that I need to get around to doing that.

DeMoss uses this book to point out how unhealthy it is to hold on to an unforgiving spirit but also how plain wrong that is. Jesus Christ died for our sins and forgave us for them completely. His work acted like a delete button a computer keyboard, erasing our sins from existence. That’s hard to get one’s mind around but just because it’s hard to comprehend doesn’t mean that it’s any less true. With such a great gift having been given unto me, why is it so hard to turn around and give the same gift to others? Because. I’m stubborn and I like nursing my wounds and reveling in past hurts, if you really must know.

DeMoss covers a lot of ground in this book and gives many scenarios where forgiveness might be called for in one’s life from a murdered relative to a church body causing you harm. Do you have an unthinking in-law? A friend who has stabbed you on the back? Do you find yourself reliving the hurt on a daily basis – if not an hourly basis? Are you opening up the wound and picking scabs, in essence, refusing to allow yourself to heal?

Well, if you are I don’t understand you because *I* don’t have that problem. Oh no, I let go of things just as quickly as they are staring me at the face. Bullies?! Pshaw! What of them? Nothing ever ruffles my feathers.

Yeah, right.

I’m writing this review while working through a personal wounding. I’m telling myself that “to whom much has been given, much is required.” Just as Christ forgave me, I should forgive this person. I need to “let go, and let God” in order to heal and move on. But that’s oh so hard to do because, you see, I’ve been hurt and hurt deeply. However, I’m not pardoned from the call to forgive. So, I sigh and trudge along hoping that I can write down some words which will heal the pain and move me past this. I can’t tell you how many pauses I’ve taken between these few sentences. I feel disqualified from writing this review.

At the same time, I’m very qualified to write up a recommendation of this book because DeMoss has spoken truths I needed to hear. No! She has written down the truth of scripture which I now need to apply. Easier said than done but I’m finding this book to be a good prompter and reminder to me that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So I will give it a shot.

Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.