ABSTRACT
Don’t let hurt feelings cause undue harm—learn to make use of the healing power of forgiveness!
Charting different paths through feelings of betrayal, oppression, and humiliation, this compassionate book will help you understand forgiveness, find it within yourself, and pass this important knowledge to others. The poignant stories in Becoming a Forgiving Person show how anyone can manage feelings of victimization and quench the lust for vengeance. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of being hurt, the inner struggles needed to truly forgive, and methods and skills for practicing forgiveness.
Combining religious and psychological insight, Becoming a Forgiving Person examines how forgiveness can enhance feelings of self-esteem, freedom, and intimacy. The personal stories in these pages illuminate the futility of revenge and show why apologies don’t always help. You’ll be inspired by these lessons on how to forgive yourself and other people by tapping into levels of spirituality that are deeper than the grievances you need to forgive.
With its fascinating new perspectives on betrayal, revenge, apology, and reconciliation, Becoming a Forgiving Person will show you:
- how to forgive without waiting for apologies
- ways to find personal power and increase self-esteem
- strategies for cultivating networks of supportive people to help you—or anyone—through difficult times
- tactics for getting on with your life and finding inner peace
- how and where to find opportunities to practice forgiveness
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |8 pages
Part I: Introduction—Why I Am Interested In Forgiveness
part |17 pages
Part II: Offenses—The Ways In Which We Are Hurt
chapter |4 pages
Chapter 2 Offenses Against Freedom: My Choices Are Limited
chapter |5 pages
Chapter 3 Offenses Against Self-Esteem: I Feel Humiliated
chapter |5 pages
Chapter 4 Offenses Against Intimacy: I Have Been Betrayed
part |20 pages
Part III: Trying To Take Charge—What Constitutes Forgiveness
chapter |8 pages
Chapter 5 What About Revenge?
chapter |4 pages
Chapter 6 Is an Apology Necessary?
chapter |6 pages
Chapter 7 Questions
part |31 pages
Part IV: Laying The Foundations
chapter |10 pages
Chapter 8 How I Create My Inner World
chapter |5 pages
Chapter 9 One Example: Terry Dobson's Story
chapter |7 pages
Chapter 10 The Many Facets of Who I Am
chapter |3 pages
Chapter 11 One Example: Simon Wiesenthal's Story
part |16 pages
Part V: Making It Happen
chapter |4 pages
Chapter 12 Forgiving Offenses Against Freedom
chapter |4 pages
Chapter 13 Forgiving Offenses Against Self-Esteem
chapter |6 pages
Chapter 14 Forgiving Offenses Against Intimacy
part |25 pages
Part VI: Conclusions