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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Forgive summary
Why Should I and How Can I?
16 mins
Brief summary
'Forgive' by Timothy Keller offers a fresh perspective on the concept of forgiveness. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, Keller explains why forgiveness is essential for both our own happiness and the betterment of society.
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Forgive
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Key idea 1 of 6
What, really, is forgiveness?
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus narrates the story of a king who summons one of his servants. The servant owes the king 10,000 talents. Given that the average servant earned about one talent in a year, the amount in the parable was an impossible debt to pay. But the servant pleads for mercy and the king cancels the debt.
In simple terms, that’s forgiveness. When someone wrongs you, they owe you. When you forgive them, you cancel their debt, meaning you no longer hold it against them.
In contrast, the forgiven servant doesn’t show the same mercy when he meets a fellow servant who owes him the equivalent of a dollar. He chokes his mate and locks him up. The king is furious when he learns about this and locks up the wicked servant.
So must we forgive to be forgiven?
Not necessarily. You can’t earn God’s forgiveness. But if you don’t forgive, you really haven’t understood God’s idea of forgiveness. It’s a free gift that you haven’t earned but has to be paid.
The difference between Christian forgiveness and others is that Jesus paid the ultimate price for man’s sin. When we sin against God, we have to confess our sins, repent, and tap into that eternal grace that Jesus gifted mankind.
Now, you might say: “I’m not a Christian. Why should I apply this idea in a secular world?”
Well, because canceling someone’s debt has enormous benefits for everyone involved. First, it kills resentment on the part of the wronged person. Second, it offers the forgiven person the chance to change. If this happens, it cuts the chain of abuse.
We build a virtuous circle through which the offender has the chance to be reintegrated into society, which should be the ultimate goal.
If forgiveness has the power to heal the offended, reform the offender, and mend our relationships, why does secular society resist it?
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What is Forgive about?
Forgive (2022) proposes personal and community healing through genuine, wholesome, and compassionate forgiveness. The arguments in this guide will help you understand why Christian forgiveness could be secular society’s best remedy for relieving the offended, reforming the offenders, and promoting fellowship among humans.
Forgive Review
Forgive (2012) by Timothy Keller is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of forgiveness and its transformative impact on our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a deep understanding of the complex nature of forgiveness and its profound effect on our emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Combines theological insights, psychological research, and personal stories to provide a comprehensive and relatable perspective on forgiveness.
- Provides practical guidance on how to cultivate forgiveness in our relationships and experience the freedom it brings, enhancing personal growth and healing.
Who should read Forgive?
- Anyone trying to understand the importance of forgiveness
- Victims of abuse seeking to let go of anger and hate
- Christians trying to understand God’s forgiveness
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Forgive FAQs
What is the main message of Forgive?
The main message of Forgive is the power and freedom that comes from forgiving others.
How long does it take to read Forgive?
The reading time for Forgive varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Forgive a good book? Is it worth reading?
Forgive is a profound read that explores the transformative nature of forgiveness. Highly recommended.
Who is the author of Forgive?
Timothy Keller is the author of Forgive.
What to read after Forgive?
If you're wondering what to read next after Forgive, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu & Mpho Tutu
- Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst
- The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
- Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
- The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
- Rewire by Nicole Vignola
- The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban
- The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
- The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream
- Tapping by Donna Eden