The New Freedom of Forgiveness

by David W. Augsburger

Seventy times seven...how many times shall I forgive? Our Lord answers us clearly that our forgiveness of those who hurt us shall have no end. This is one of the most difficult things any person has to face. David Augsburger understands this. He knows the outrageous cost-and incomparable value-of forgiving. He also knows this is a believer's only option. Any other course of action will not only be destructive, it will violate the will of God.

In The New Freedom of Forgiveness , Dr. Augsburger expands upon his classic writing to provide a more comprehensive, expanded, and stronger message. Combining personal testimonies with Scripture, Dr. Augsburger provides readers with practical guidance on applying forgiveness in our everyday lives. With an excellent new study guide, readers will be challenged on an even deeper level. We are commanded to forgive everything. Not just the little stuff, the minor irritations and thoughtless behavior of others, but everything. When we forgive, we are set free from bondage. The New Freedom of Forgiveness is an essential resource not only for understanding what God requires, but also learning how to apply it every day. Read this life-changing book and discover the freedom of forgiveness.

Genres: Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2000

Reviews

[Sean-david · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of Augsburger’s text deeply. It seemed to drip with powerful Gospel truths and his gift for provocative statements kept me interested and engaged for much of the first half. I found myself typing several of his statements into Evernote for future reference, quoting, and discussion. In the larger portion of the second half of the book I became less interested, and he seemed to change his focus, this frustrated me. If it weren't for that I would have given this at least four stars.

There are some very powerful and challenging ideas in this text that are quite helpful in processing deeper thoughts and a practical theology of forgiveness.

Here are a few gems:

Revenge is a worthless weapon. It corrupts the avenger while continuing the enemy's wrongdoing (p. 18)

Forgiveness is more powerful than anger(p.28)

Forgiveness is risking a return to conversation and a resumption of relationship.
(p.29)

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful revision of book on the topic of person-to-person forgiveness. Originally titled 70x7 then revised to Freedom of Forgiveness and then revised to current title. Through the revisions the author has moved from a therapeutic perspective to one I title “restorative.” The strength of his position is he takes reconciliation seriously. The weakness is that he somewhat equates accomplishing forgiveness with reconciliation being accomplished.

[Michael Whennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book on forgiveness. Have I truly forgiven others, I kept asking myself as I progressed through this book. The author cites numerous testimonies of acts of forgiveness that made my eyes well up with tears.

[Sabrina Jennings]

own kindle version