How To Forgive Ourselves Totally: Begin Again by Breaking Free from Past Mistakes

by R.T. Kendall

After the release of Total Forgiveness, the most common question that readers had for author R. T. Kendall was, “How do I forgive myself?” In this follow-up book, Kendall dives deep into the subject to give readers the tools they need to put the past behind them.
  In How to Forgive Ourselves Totally, R. T. Kendall has provided a clear and compelling book that puts before us the hope and possibility of experiencing incredible freedom and peace that can only come when we walk in total forgiveness. And we have not totally forgiven until we have forgiven ourselves as well as those who have hurt us.
 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Counselling

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2007

Reviews

[Dana Leighann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased a used copy of this book in 2018. It got lost in the shuffle when we moved shortly thereafter. I forgot about this book which was recommended to me by my therapist. Well, life happens. Last week, 6 years later, my husband found this book in a box that never was unpacked. He brought it to me and asked if I still wanted it. It just so happens that this topic is extremely relevant—probably more so notes in 2025 than in 2018 when I first purchased it.

All that to say:
I read it and it was the best book I’ve read in a long time. God’s perfect timing always amazes me. How quickly I forget that He is sovereign!

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's clear from reading this book that R. T. Kendall has a loving heart towards people and wants them to know that they are forgiven. The book is saturated with reminders of grace and forgiveness, exhortations for Christians that they ARE a part of God's family and that he wants them to be free, and some good practical advice too. Kendall also warns his readers about sin and doesn't sugarcoat what it does to our relationships to each other and to God. I especially appreciated the distinction Kendall makes between true guilt and psuedoguilt. It's not a very dynamically written book, but it is important and it's helped me on my journey to see myself as God sees me: forgiven and good enough.

[Samone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book! Going down as one of my favorites of all time

[Lori Sampson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book to learn how to forgive myself for some things I've been carrying around too long. I am a Christian and this book did teach me how to do just that. However, I am a gay christian and the things he says about homosexuality are absolutely horrible. He literally tells us to "Just accept it quietly, Jesus has accepted us. Just never act on it." Really? So, I say all of this to say, I read it, got what I needed from it, and tossed the remaining parts aside.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. It helped me so much with the difficulties of forgiving myself. I also tend to have a lot of guilt, which I learned through this book is often times false guilt. This book is amazing and one I will be referencing time and again. The author’s writing style is very clear and straightforward, which I appreciate. In fact, I felt as though I had been talking to a close friend these past several weeks. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s books. He is an inspiration. If you struggle with forgiving yourself for past mistakes, please read this book. It will definitely change your perspective and you will have a new sense of freedom.

[Alicia Tse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book clearly written

I had to re- read this after a few years because I find that forgiving myself is needed again and again. I am possibly biased because R T was my pastor when he was at Westminster Chapel. To me, this book is very useful and also is well written and clear. The biblical passages with quotes were also helpful.

[Paige Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

He explains things in such a way that is not condemning and helped me understand and truly grasp the importance of what Jesus did for us. I appreciate this book and I know I will be referring to it for years. Definitely going to be looking at his other works!

[Robert Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Book

Very clearly written. I recommend this book to everyone because all of us, to some degree or other, have failures in our past.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the biggest issues is forgiving yourself, even if you arent the real guilty party. Sometimes we take on guilt for things we haven't done but feel we could have prevented, which is impossible. We can't turn back time, so we need to learn to forgive ourselves, and sometimes even for things we have done. This book is a guide to help you do just that, I've read Total Forgiveness so I knew this Author had the goods to help me forgive myself. I was right! Really excellent resource for those interested in doing the work to make your life happier and healthier.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Dr. Kendall continues where he left from his prior book, "Total Forgiveness." As with other readers, I struggle with the question, "How do I forgive myself?" In this book, Dr. Kendall explores the question as he encourages his readers to experience freedom that forgiveness brings by forgiving ourselves as well as those who hurt us.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are struggling with guilt or dwelling on the past, this book is for you. It sure gives a lot of good thoughts to think of in place of past mistakes and good ways to challenge what we tell ourselves that keeps us in perpetual guilt. Recommend for sure.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to find this book by R.T.KENDALL after reading his TOTAL FORGIVENESS. I think for most people the biggest problem is forgiving themselves. This book was very helpful.

[Dylan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Look forward to reading more of R.T Kendall's titles

[Charles Fowler]

Outstanding read that is absolutely sound in biblical theology.