Portraits of Forgiveness: Finding the Inspiration and Courage to Forgive

Like an old, frayed blanket there are many loose threads in our relationships. Issues and conflict divide us from family, friends, and innumerable people we encounter throughout life. The process of forgiveness is necessary to restore and rebuild those relationships. This book deals with the process of forgiveness in a unique and refreshing way. Rather than simply explain the process, Portraits of Forgiveness tells stories from the Bible that show how God works in the lives of people to bring about forgiveness and reconciliation. These stories present injustice, betrayal, evil, fear and many other issues in which forgiveness is essential but seems elusive.

After looking at the stories of forgiveness, the process is explained by drawing on the ideas and principles from each story. The final chapter presents frequently asked questions that will help you deal with specific issues that arise in working through forgiveness.

Each chapter includes a small group study guide for a 10-session study. A small group leader's guide is included that provides a sample answer key to aid the group leader.

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Table of Contents:

Introduction

Part I. Forgiveness in Family Life
1. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Evil - Joseph and His Brothers
2. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Shame - Jacob and Esau
3. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Ungratefulness - The Prodigal Son and His Father

Part II. Forgiveness in Church Life
4. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Selfishness - Moses and the Wilderness Church
5. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Immorality - Paul and the Corinthian Believers
6. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Betrayal - Jesus and Peter

Part III. Forgiveness in Community Life
7. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Hardness - Pharaoh, Moses, and the LORD
8. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Injustice - Jesus and the Roman Soldiers
9. Forgiveness Triumphs Over Fear - Philemon and Onesimus

Part IV. The Process of Forgiveness
10. The Strategic Value of Forgiveness
11. How God Forgives Us
12. How We Forgive Others
13. Practicing Biblical Forgiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

Small Group Leader's Guide

About the Author
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