Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life

"To be Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." --C. S. Lewis One of the greatest marks of a life transformed by Jesus is the ability to forgive and reconcile with one another. That doesn't mean it's easy, and sometimes true forgiveness can be one of the toughest things we'll ever do. But it can also be the most freeing. The studies in this book examine challenges we face as we try to forgive and reconcile with those who have hurt us. Let's face it--sometimes it's easier to be hurt or angry, to hold onto our sense of justice and pride, rather than let go. But both forgiveness and reconciliation are disciplines necessary for the spiritual health of individuals and communities. In practicing them, we see the reality of God's forgiveness and his offer of reconciliation to us. If you've ever experienced the hurt of not being forgiven, if you've ever struggled to forgive someone who wronged you, or if you have trouble acknowledging God's forgiveness in your life, this study is for you. The purpose of this study guide series is to help you use spiritual practices to make your own life richer, fuller, and deeper. It can be used as a "standalone" Bible study guide for groups or individual use, or as a companion alongside the Everyday Matters Bible for Women. The twenty-four spiritual practices are Acceptance, Bible Study & Meditation, Celebration, Community, Confession, Contemplation, Faith, Fasting, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Hospitality, Justice, Mentoring, Outreach, Prayer, Reconciliation, Sabbath & Rest, Service, Silence, Simplicity, Solitude, Stewardship, Submission, and Worship.