Unpacking Forgiveness : Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds

"Helps readers move beyond the wounds and baggage of bitterness, disagreements, and broken relationships.' True or false: most Christian pastors and counselors agree on what forgiveness is and how it should take place.' This question is part of Chris Brauns's Forgiveness Quiz that draws readers into his book and gets them thinking about the subject of forgiveness. The truth is, pastors and counselors disagree profoundly on this subject. Unpacking Forgiveness combines sound theological thinking and honesty about the complicated questions many face to provide readers with a solid understanding of biblical forgiveness. Only God's Word can unpack forgiveness. The wounds are too deep for us to find healing on our own, and the questions are too complex to be unraveled by anything but the wisdom of God. This book goes beyond a feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness, balancing the beauty of God's grace and the necessity of forgiveness with the teaching that forgiveness must take place in a way that is consistent with justice"--Publisher description The forgiveness quiz Where I come from as an author Answers to the forgiveness quiz How to begin unpacking The luggage that weighs us down Jesus' invitation How to accept Jesus invitation Motivation to unpack The challenge of unpacking forgiveness HowJohn Piper helped You will not learn in an instant that following Christ is both right and best Defining forgiveness The key principle How God forgives A definition for forgiveness Are you forgiven? Defining forgiveness How should Christians forgive interpersonally? A word on reconciliation and consequences More than a feeling Biblical forgiveness versus therapeutic forgiveness Is the difference really that important? The way up is down Jesus on conflict Be humble The way up is down How humility helps You can't be humble through sheer determination Unpack with great urgency What should Bev do? Hear a warning from Jesus Apply Jesus' point to Bev's decision Take action Should I just get over it? A sad, ridiculous story To drop, or not to drop? What dropping it doesn't mean How should I go about it? First, go! Second, if necessary, take one or two others along Third, if appropriate, follow church discipline An illustration What if I won't forgive? Jesus on the limits of forgiveness The parable of the unforgiving servant What should be said to those who wont forgive? Doesn't this teach that people might earn their salvation by forgiving others? The story of Jacob Deshazer and Mitsuo Fuchida How should I respond to the unrepentant? The question Principle #1: Resolve not to take revenge Principle #2: Proactively show love The Amish at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania How should I respond to the unrepentant? Principle #3: Don't forgive the unrepentant, but leave room for the wrath of God Objections Scott and Janet Willis : grace through flames How can I conquer bitterness? Know how to beat bitterness Bruce Murakami : winning the battle over bitterness How can I stop thinking about it? The mental gerbil wheel This is a battle we must not lose Winning the battle of your mind will be a process Specifics for winning the battle for your mind Chuck Colson's victory over the mental gerbil wheel What if Christians cannot agree? Paul and Barnabas impasse Other factors that pressured Paul and Barnabas relationship What we can learn Final thoughts. Examines God's Word to form a theology of forgiveness, helping readers move beyond the wounds of bitterness, disagreements, and broken relationships. A helpful resource for anyone who struggles to extend forgiveness.