Forgiving Forward: Unleashing the Forgiveness Revolution

by Bruce Wayne Hebel, Toni Lynn Hebel

Forgiveness tends to be an obscure principle in today's world-even among those who follow Christ. We all know the familiar saying, "time heals all wounds," and yet we watch those around us shrivel from the pain of distant wounds that still seem to bleed fresh, raw, and unhealed. Forgiving Forward is an engaging, authentic dialogue teeming with real life stories and transformative Biblical teaching that has the power to heal and restore that which has been broken. In Forgiving Forward, Bruce and Toni, give us the opportunity to learn Heaven's Protocols of Forgiveness and how to accurately apply them both for ourselves and for others. The tools this book teaches will restore marriages, reunite families and unify churches.

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Y.I. Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this simply because I had so much to forgive.

I now feel freer. I highly recommend this book to everyone wanting to be free of pain of their past. Bruce Hebel has written a book which speaks plainly and deeply.

This book is a must read for every Christian as far as I'm concerned.

[April · Rating 1 out of 5]

I disliked this book. I wanted a theological study which dove into verses regarding forgiveness. Perhaps I'm just too uppity for this type of work, but I thought the scriptural foundation and application to be rather impoverished and annoying in its evangelical flair.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not even sure if this book is a good book on forgiveness. I started skimming because I just found the anecdotal stories too burdensome to read, but if we take God as the example of forgiveness: forgiveness only came when someone presented their sin offering at the alter and then the offeror and God were reconciled.

Christ tells Peter whose ever sins are remitted they are remitted and whose ever sins are retained they are retained - implying that we actually AREN'T obligated to forgive all sins. This is a study I have yet to do a deep dive into, and I would have liked to see more being touched on deliberate and unrepentant sins because I'm not convinced these are necessarily needful to forgive.

The author ties in a story of a man who was sexually abused by his sister and she was unrepentant and just want him to *forgive* like it's so easy and magical once you do it. But I think the author is in fact wrong, regarding this, as Levitical law would have upheld justice for the victim.

I'll be donating this to the library. I wasn't impressed and I really despise reading anything regarding theology or doctrine and the author having to insert so many stories or themselves into the picture. I don't get into this type of fluffy literature.

[Christy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt the best book on forgiveness. This short book, all taken from the Bible, practically lays out how to forgive past hurts and how to live in a posture of pre-forgiveness going forward. This is not a book to borrow. This is a must own.

*I was telling a friend about this book, and since it's been a couple of years since I've read it...I decided to read again. For sure still the best book I've ever read on forgiveness.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really important message here. We are commanded to forgive, period. It's not about giving the offender a pass, it's about releasing our own torment. The burden of judgement is too heavy for us to carry, and it was never meant that we should. I was a little guarded in my reading because the focus was so heavily on forgiveness that I thought repentance would be overlooked. It wasn't, it just wasn't the main message. When they explained that forgiveness needs to be unconditional, but that reconciliation doesn't happen without repentance I was on board. I think that's the part people misunderstand. There are some guides, or protocols here which may be helpful, but I believe the key is to forgive fully and from the heart, turning the burden to the one who rightfully owns it because He purchased it with His blood.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have owned this book for about 6 months and finally just got around to reading it. Wow! I didn't know how much I needed it. It is chocked full of Biblical truths that I needed to hear. I have learned that I am my brother's keeper and it is a sin to be unforgiving. As I have put these Biblical principals into practice I too have been set free from the tournament of unforgiveness. This is a well-written book that I am excited to share with others. One of my favorite lines from the book is; 'Bitterness is the poison we drink hoping someone else dies."

[Krista Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A LOT of stories, but overall very practical

Several of the experts I’ve read on the topic of forgiveness tell you that you should, but never show you how. This was the first book to actually show me how to forgive. The protocol is very handy and simple to remember. I will definitely be referring back to this book over the ages.

[Kristen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packs a lot of punch for a small book! Very helpful in my steps of forgiveness, and simple enough to pass on! Thankful for the authors’ clear explanations and examples of each step. And also thankful for the way he used scripture to point out new truths I had not noticed were there the whole time! Convicting!

[Holly M · Rating 2 out of 5]

My sister recommended this - maybe it's new to her but it's the same thing I've heard multiple times. Forgiveness does not mean we must allow others access to all of our lives if they have been hurtful or abusive in the past. Forgiveness and Reconciliation are not the same and sadly sometimes reconciliation never happens.

The author starts with a story about him and his Dad and it's a lovely story but is not reality for many of us.

[Lequita Sharrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my Life!!

Gratitude: This book changed my entire life!!

The growing and becoming that comes with having a deeper understanding of forgiveness.

The deeper understanding opens up a dialogue where the continuous healing of hearts includes me and everyone around me.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book allows you to create your own path of forgiveness. It was an interesting and valuable read. Actually my second time thru!

[Sara Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on forgiveness I’ve ever read. It brought so much freedom! Thank you Jesus

[Christen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally know the Hebel family, and this book could not have been a more accurate and true testimony of their life & faith journey. I highly recommend this book and this family!