According to author Charlene Gutzmore of Forgiveness Never: Making the Choice to Forgive, letting go of un-forgiveness is like giving yourself the gift of freedom. In her newly released e-book (Kindle), Gutzmore adeptly covers the issue of un-forgiveness and choosing to forgive.
Gutzmore poses the question - is it possible to forgive (even the most horrendous crimes) and if so, how much should we forgive? She then takes the reader on a thought provoking journey of the difference between holding a grudge in your heart, and choosing to forgive. Using case studies, real life situations, and crimes from news clips to bring across different scenarios of circumstances, Gutzmore successfully walks the reader through a step by step comprehensive view of the nature of forgiveness and the essence of what it means to forgive and then arrives at how to build meaningful relationships and have healthy personal growth despite one’s painful past. From these life lessons, readers are able to wrap their understanding around a tangible form of forgiveness; the kind that is deep-cored (coming from the heart) and real.
Expressing that forgiveness is a gift: a gift you give yourself, and un-forgiveness is holding ‘you’ hostage, Gutzmore shows how un-forgiveness impacts both the victim and the perpetrator. She underscores the negative aspects of holding a grudge, highlighting actual negative behavioral traits and tendencies that are tell-tale signs of un-forgiveness. At this point you’ll be tempted to ‘look within’ in an honest reflection of yourself. This is a good thing! The book not only motivates you to reflect, but it also equips you with useful emotional and behavioral tools to help overcome life’s painful circumstances. Because the scenarios are real and the reader can identify with at least one of these painful situations, Forgiveness Never can also be used in group counseling sessions to help bring about healing and genuine change.
Gutzmore expertly un-wraps humanity’s hurts and pains, peeling layer by layer using real life atrocities; and successfully exposes the core of some of our problems - which is un-forgiveness. “Forgiveness,” she stresses “should be based on the benefit it will afford us.” Therefore, she enlightens the reader, that even though “forgiveness won’t come overnight”, what’s more important is the intentional choice we make day by day to forgive, this is what will bring about the well-desired freedom to live meaningful lives.
Though the book is not a deep spiritual book, it however teaches that in order to truly forgive, one must ultimately look to God to fully understand and learn the nature of true forgiveness. Forgiveness Never is a must-read, as it is an insightful and inspiring book that will help you to build lasting relationships!
Happy Reading!
Comments