The Gift of Forgiveness: Put the Past Behind You and Learn How to Forgive . . .

by Charles F. Stanley

Charles Stanley, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our day, shares the key to personal and even world peace in The Gift of Forgiveness . as Stanley points out that no sin is so shockingly evil it blocks God's forgiveness nor so trivial it negates the need for God's mercy, he shares the specifics of how to go about receiving and giving forgiveness. The Gift of Forgiveness reflects the heart of Stanley's teaching ministry. In this markedly helpful book, Stanley addresses such questions as how to practise a life of forgiveness in all your relationships and how to make forgiveness an ongoing, practical experience in your life. Previously published in hardcover (0840790724).

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Self Help

179 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 1987

About the author

Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

Reviews

[stormhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have an understanding of forgiveness at the surface, from the first time you have to apologize to your mom for something that you did ... but rarely do we take the time to really consider and analyze the process of forgiveness, and it's impact on our lives, far beyond just the particular incident for which we seek forgiveness or need to forgive others. Rev. Stanley provides an easy to follow and understand roadmap to improving your life on more that just the surface.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very good book from Charles Stanley. He sets out how not forgiving someone is really only hurting us and not the other person who we aren't forgiving. He also shows how not forgiving someone effects how you react among other people and in dealing with other situations. Stanley answers many of the questions I had about God's forgiveness of me. He did it by sending Jesus to the cross to die for my sins: past, present and future. Confession of my sins effects only my fellowship with God (on my end) and not my salvation. Highly recommended.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent teaching on a subject that makes a tremendous difference in our lives, no matter who we are and what we need to forgive or ask forgiveness for. I would say this is THE book to read on the subject of forgiveness - what it means to forgive, what God's forgiveness for us entails, how to know we've forgiven someone, how to be released from bitterness. That said, I wish there had been more depth. His theology and examples were superb, I just felt that he could have expounded a little bit more for the benefit of the reader.

[Benita McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book twice and I would read it again it's that good and so helpful.


It was a gift years ago a long
long time ago from my mom it
was given to me as a birthday
gift.

It is one of my
all time favorite
books of his.


He is one of my
favorite ministers
he helped me
so much.

when I was in a
dangerously abusive
narcissistic marriage,

For over 17 to 18 years
married for 19 years but
I finally got away.

I listened to Charles Stanley a
lot on one of the Christian radio stations that I used to listen to in Georgia and it really helped me,


Get through the
difficult things that
were going on in
my life.

I still enjoy this book to this day
I lived in Georgia for a couple
years and I know that's where
he Ministered over in Atlanta.

The back of the
book says:

"Whatever your situation,
whatever has happened in your past, remember that you are the loser if you do not deal with any unforgiving spirit.

And the people around you suffer, too. You have within you the power to forgive, to be healed, and to be set free to live your life to the fullest.

[Lori Keeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible little gem of a book that solidifies Biblical forgiveness and demonstrates how believers are always forgiven by God no matter what. I appreciated how Stanley explained that we can live with an unforgiving spirit and how that affects us and those around us, but most importantly how it keeps us from fellowship with God. Stanley has counseled many people over the years and is able to explain our humanness when it comes to forgiveness.

Wonderful book. I read it as a daily devotion and also decided to read an Old and a New Testament story on forgiveness each day.
Highly recommend this!

[Denise M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every believer in the Lord Jesus should read this and have it on their shelf. It will help you accept forgiveness from the Lord, and be able to give complete forgiveness, even for decades long offenses. We have been forgiven much by the Lord, so we must forgive others, no matter what they did to hurt us. Forgiveness will free you of the pain you are feeling.

[Lisa L Mee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this if you've struggled with forgiving or being forgiven

This is an important book if you have a hard time forgiving someone or accepting that a Holy GOD can forgive YOU. It's hard to understand how God can be so gracious to us.

[Hannah Lansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward, practical, and convicting. A must-read for every Christian and person who wants to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness and bitterness.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your time. It’s full of wisdom, knowledge, and practical application!

[Joe Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of biblical forgiveness.

[Thelma Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information. Will be helpful for counseling others

[Lucia Asturias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely recommended and one of the life changing books I've read in my life. Thank God for forgiveness...I would be dead if I had not learnt to apply it by choice, as it is best to do for our own sakes! I've learnt to forgive the unforgivable and go on to have an abundant peaceful and joyful life. Heave IS here on earth and we hold the keys inside of us by using our volition - the gift of choice. :) Be blessed...

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend that everyone, no matter their religion, read this book. it is so insightful to human nature and how what we see as simple occurrences in our lives have such a major impact on our outlook of each other. I am not ashamed to say that this book has also changed my attitude in my relationship and it is even better than ever.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me to better understand the gift of forgiveness from God! I highly suggest reading this book if you have ever had difficulty in the area of forgiving others.

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was life changing for me.

[Loveleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unconditional love.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanley doesn't offer many new insights into the topic of forgiveness. Good exposition of Scripture and good outlines, if that's what you're looking for.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very practical look at what forgiveness looks like and how to apply it!

[Karen Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Read a chapter a day with my daily devotional....gave me alot to think about and allowed me to finally forgive myself...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have a hard time forgiving people and reading this book made me feel so much more at peace. I recommend it to anyone having problems with forgiveness.

[Amanda Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone dealing with unforgiveness should read this book. Easy to read with practical steps.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, Another growth tool for my tool box .
This is another book I refer back to, re-read and lone out.I've had to purchase it a couple of times!
Praise God.

[Justina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, i have read it twice now and am sure i will read it again before to long.

[Vance Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

good Resource

Very helpful .when you need to ask for forgiveness. What action you need to do when you are the person that you need to forgive.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will read again

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I am glad I read it. It has been many years since my reading it and I would read it again.