About the Book

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

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This is a book that all Christians should read more than once! I haven't practiced do the steps described in the book because I was reading for this review but believe me I am going to be doing it in the near future! Yes, we all have things and people we need to forgive. This is one book that I will be keeping on my bookshelf for future use.

This book points out that unforgiveness keeps us in bondage. I know upon reading the preface that this book was for me as well as for others. I unlined these two sentences in the book. " As, we wrote this book, we set out with one goal: to bring a more practical unstanding of the Biblical principals of forgiveness. We want to give readers a roadmap for practicing forgiveness so so all may experience the healing and freedom God promises."

All the stories told in this book are based on true accounts with the names changed to protect the identify of the clients.

I also love this quote from the book, page 97 "Forgiveness is trusting God to be the perfect judge who knows the heart of the offender and what is needed to bring justice.

This quote is my favorite from the book, page 104, " Forgiveness is choosing to trust God to bring justice to the offender. It is not forgetting. It is not treating the offender as if they never committed the offense."

This book talks about all sorts of offenses, not just crimes, things likes affairs and abusive talk and about destroying trust. This is a book for all people.

It also talks about when you forgive someone, that doesn't mean you have to have a relationship with that person and how if it is a violent crime you are forgiving that sometimes you might have to forgive again.

I guess I will close this review and urge you to get as copy of the book for yourself and start living a life free from bitterness.

I received a complimentary copy from the authors and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book, passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.

Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.