Forgiving and Reconciling
Bridges to Wholeness and Hope
By Ev Worthington
Reviewed by
Geoffrey W. Sutton
Forgiveness and reconciliation were often topics in
counseling sessions dating back to 1975. And the topics resonate because they are
part of my personal life. In addition, I have studied forgiveness for nearly 20
years. All this said to provide context for my recommendation for this classic
text by psychologist Dr. Ev Worthington who is now Commonwealth Professor Emeritus.
The book is divided into three parts. First, Worthington
explains forgiveness, the importance of forgiveness, and the Christian
foundation for forgiveness.
In part two, we learn about Worthington’s REACH model. The
letters in REACH represent chapter titles and the steps that can help people “reach”
forgiveness: R = Recall the hurt, E = Empathize (with the offender), A = (offer
an )Altruistic Gift of Forgiveness, C = Commit publicly to forgive, and H =
Hold on to forgiveness.
Part three consists of the four “Ds” of reconciliation. Let
me pause to say that Worthington makes it clear that forgiveness and
reconciliation are distinct processes. We can forgive without reconciling. The
steps to achieve reconciliation involve Decisions, Discussion, Detoxification,
and Devotion.
Worthington and his colleagues have published a lot of research
since this book was published. However, the processes in this highly readable
book remain helpful.
Availability: Amazon
Ev Worthington on Forgiveness at Biola University
Reference
Worthington, E.
L. Jr. (2003). Forgiving and Reconciling; Bridges
to Wholeness and Hope. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Other books on Forgiveness
and Reconciliation
No comments:
Post a Comment