Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life

by Hendrickson Publishers (Creator)

This addition to the Everyday Matters Bible for Women line is a series of study guides that focus on various spiritual practices. The series can be used as a stand-alone Bible study guide for groups or individual use, or as a companion alongside the Everyday Matters Bible for Women . The studies in this book examine challenges we face as we try to forgive and reconcile with those who have hurt us. Let's face it--sometimes it's easier to be hurt or angry, to hold onto our sense of justice and pride, rather than let go. But both forgiveness and reconciliation are disciplines necessary for the spiritual health of individuals and communities. In practicing them, we see the reality of God's forgiveness and his offer of reconciliation to us. Readers will work through eight chapters that include articles for reflection, Scripture verses, and discussion questions for deeper thought. Each book also includes a Leader's Guide. These books are an excellent resource for small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday school classes. Used individually or with a group these booklets will help women delve further into the Scriptures and meditate on various spiritual practices to help them live fully, every day. The purpose of this study guide series is to help you use spiritual practices to make your own life richer, fuller, and deeper. It can be used as a stand-alone Bible study guide for groups or individuals, or as a companion alongside the Everyday Matters Bible for Women. The twenty-four spiritual practices in this series are Acceptance, Bible Study & Meditation, Celebration, Community, Confession, Contemplation, Faith, Fasting, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Hospitality, Justice, Mentoring, Outreach, Prayer, Reconciliation, Sabbath & Rest, Service, Silence, Simplicity, Solitude, Stewardship, Submission, and Worship. Please Forgiveness & Reconciliation has two separate Forgiveness (sku 51631EB), and Reconciliation (sku 51632EB).

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgiveness and Reconciliation are two of the 24 spiritual disciplines listed in the Everyday Matters Bible for Women, NLT.
The other spiritual disciplines are "Acceptance, Bible Study and Meditation, Celebration, Community, Confession, Contemplation, Faith, Fasting, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Hospitality, Justice, Mentoring, Outreach, Prayer, Reconciliation, Sabbath and Rest, Service, Silence, Simplicity, Solitude, Stewardship, Submission, and Worship."
Hendrickson has published a series of books on these spiritual disciplines.

Four chapters on Forgiveness. Four chapters on Reconciliation.
Jesus commands us to forgive. However, this is a hard task to practice. The study reminds us,
"When we harbor anger and resentment, we imprison ourselves in a cell full of poison." Page 9.
The story of David and his relationship with Bathsheba is examined. The focal passages are 2 Samuel 11:1-12:24 and Psalm 51.
Further Bible passages are a parable Jesus told in Matthew chapter 20, and Jesus asking His Father to "forgive them" in Luke chapter 23.
Reconciliation begins with the story of Hosea and "Redeeming Love."
Other chapters are "Reconciling with Yourself," "Reconciling with Your Enemy," and the "impossible."
Each of the chapters are broken down as follows: a Bible passage, devotional reading, questions to answer on the topic, "Points to Ponder," a prayer, an application principle, and a "Take-away Treasure."

I feel the Bible study is better if used along side the Everyday Matters Bible for Women, NLT. This is not a necessity but helps. To use both, brings harmony to the Bible study time.
The Bible study is brief. I do not consider the study to be in-depth.
I believe it's a tool to use during a daily devotional and Bible reading time.
The study can be used by an individual or small group.
A "Leader's Guide" is included.

Source: Free copy from Hendrickson in exchange for a review.
Rating: 4 stars for very good.