This was a valuable resource for me in a time of hurt from a brother in Christ. I could not put away my bitterness until I realized that I must not only forgive the one who hurt me, but also myself for being vulnerable, and God for allowing it to happen. He points out the Biblical character of Joseph, who forgave his brothers. Using “Forgive us our debts” from the Lord’s Prayer, he reminded me to avoid self righteousness when I learn to forgive. Kendall gives practical advice what to do. In the chapter entitled Playing God, Kendall uses the acronym, NEED, to avoid judging others.
Sometimes we do need to judge. "When We Are Right to Judge" discusses how to be objective in criticizing and correcting a friend. We have all heard to “forgive and forget”. Kendall shows us that this statement actually pertains to forgiving ourselves. Why don’t we forgive ourselves, and how do we get rid of guilt? It is humanly impossible without allowing God to work out His purpose in us, including using our enemies to help us grow through total forgiveness. Can we ever love our enemies and bless them? Kendall tells us that is the proof of the pudding. Then we have learned Total Forgiveness.
