Forgive Your Way to Freedom (Book Review)

Today I'm sharing my review of the book Forgive Your Way to Freedom: Reconcile Your Past and Reclaim Your Future by author Gil Mertz.    For this review I received a paperback copy of the book.   I 'll start off my review with saying this is a book that everyone would benefit by reading, both Christian and non-Christian.

In today's society, forgiving a wrong isn't something that's talked about very often.  Unfortunately, not addressing our need to forgive is what keeps so many of us in bondage.  Author Gil Mertz does a wonderful job of shining the light on the trap of unforgiveness, and the freedom that is awaiting each person.   While many people have suffered at the hands of abusers, there are still countless other people who have not, but still have unforgiveness towards a former friend, employer or other person...and this book is written to help both groups of people.

At the beginning of the book is a section labeled "How Good a Forgiver are You?".   Here the author explains some basic concepts and then has the reader(s) flip to Appendix A to take a 25 question true/false quiz to help the reader(s) get an idea of where they are in the forgiveness process.   The reader(s) are then asked to take the quiz again after completing the book to see how much they've grown in their freedom.

The book itself is divided into four (4) main parts, as follows:

Part 1: Understand Forgiveness-Unleash Your Power
Part 2: Look Back to Move Forward - Resolve Past Pain
Part 3: Let Go and Let God - Experience Freedom Now
Part 4: The Future is Yours - Rediscover Your Purpose and Hope

Each of those four parts are broken down into three chapters.   Each chapter wraps up with a forgiveness prayer and a "Reflect and Discuss" question section.   This book would easily work in a group study session, or individually.

This is not a quick read type book.   It exposes raw hurts and challenges the reader to really look at where they are, and what unforgiveness is doing in every aspect of life.    There are real life stories of people who have chosen to forgive after horrible situations have occurred, and the freedom that has accompanied that forgiveness.

What this book does NOT do is say is that forgiveness means what the offender did was ok, nor does it say the offense didn't do life long damage.   But it helps the person who has been hurt to let go of that darkness that comes along with holding onto hate.

There is also an Appendix B at the back of the book that lists resources for victims of abuse.   This appendix is a great resource for those who have been, or no someone who is in an abusive situation.

About the author:
Gil Mertz is assistant to the president at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. He has been involved with full-time Christian service for nearly forty years and draws from a vast background of ministry with international missions, humanitarian causes, public policy, and consulting. He is a former pastor and radio talk show host. His daily commentaries on forgiveness have been broadcast on more than 300 stations across America. Gil and his wife Patricia reside in southern California and have three children and three grandchildren.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes only.  I received no other compensation, nor was I required to write a positive review.  The thoughts and opinions shown here are strictly my own.