Moving On: Beyond Forgive and Forget

by Ruth Ann Batstone

You have been deeply hurt by someone—wounded physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually by their actions. How do you move forward and walk out biblical forgiveness? And what makes forgiveness “biblical?” Ruth Ann Batstone, a child abuse survivor and experienced counselor, has wrestled deeply with these questions and now gives practical, God-honoring direction to others who have been hurt and can’t just “forgive and forget.”

Batstone’s Moving On presents a compassionate and nuanced exploration of what forgiveness is and is not. It looks honestly at the realities of deep hurt and offers concrete direction for working through the process of forgiveness. Batstone points readers to Jesus, the man of sorrows and well acquainted with grief, as the one who understands their struggle and is with them each step of the way. His gospel is not a panacea for trouble, but it is the path through trouble as we keep our eyes fixed on him. Batstone doesn’t promise that we can forget the evil that has been done, but she does promise that we can grow in faith, hope, and love as we turn to Jesus daily.

The material in Moving On has been taught by the author in small group, Bible study, and conference settings. Moving On includes interactive study questions for each chapter, making the book ideal for group discussions and proactive individual reading and reflection.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2016

Reviews

[Stephen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was short, to the point, and easy to access.

Best quote of the book.
"Forgiveness does not originate with us" (p.49).

Ideas that were helpful for me.
1. Forgiveness is brutally honest. It takes the full blow of evil.
2. Fantasizing about evil is harmful both emotionally and physically.
3. God may permit evil, but he also limits it.
4. Denial or silence in response to evil makes us complicit. It actually perpetuates it.
5. The cycle of cynicism, contempt, and criticism.
6. Don't be a better record keeper than God.
7. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerfully helpful book - for every Christian. I learned much about forgiveness, unforgiveness, and the "dailiness" of both. Each chapter is full of questions and profound truths to consider. Am I tender hearted and compassionate, or easily irritated and angry? Even the smallest unforgiveness is not benign to my soul. After reading this, I have a better understanding of my own heart and responses to people and life. Ruth Ann Batstone's book is not just for those struggling to forgive over a "big" issue", but for any of us who want to worship God and love people more deeply.