The Book of Forgiving

Do you need to take the next step in forgiving someone or perhaps in being forgiven? How do we heal our hearts and move on in the process? This book, by Desmond & Mpho Tutu, based on giving forgiveness in the crucible of life’s hurts, comes highly recommended.

Archbishop Tutu and the Reverend Mpho Tutu share their experiences and describe their 4-fold path of forgiveness contrasting it with the revenge cycle. The four steps to forgiveness through which we must pass are:

1) Admitting the wrong and    acknowledging the harm
2) Telling one’s story and witnessing the anguish
3) Asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness
4) Renewing or releasing the relationship

Each chapter contains reflections and personal stories, as well as exercises for practising each step.  Although not easy, these steps and the total path have given insight and practical wisdom to help transform people’s lives.

Mike Pearson