Navigating the Long Road to Forgiveness

by | Nov 21, 2021 | Author, Blog, Books | 0 comments

 For review copy and interview information, contact:Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903.874.8363 Navigating the Long Road to ForgivenessBrad Hambrick helps readers understand forgiveness
as a journey, not just a destinationGreensboro, NC—Clichés, glib answers, and quick solutions are shared all too often with those who are struggling to forgive or embrace forgiveness. We know Jesus calls us to forgive, but it can be hard to know what that looks like in complicated, messy relationships. In Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt toward Hope (New Growth Press/October 4, 2021), pastor and counselor Brad Hambrick helps readers understand that forgiveness is the start of a journey that doesn’t erase the past, but honestly confronts hurt and clears the way for a hope-filled discussion on how to move toward healing.Too often forgiveness is viewed as the culmination of a journey, but when someone says, “I forgive you,” they are not saying, “Things are all better now.” They are saying, “I have decided to relate to your offense towards me differently.” Hambrick helps readers make sense of forgiveness biblically and relationally by addressing a variety of common questions that arise when we have been hurt:Does forgiveness mean restoration of trust?Am I supposed to “forgive and forget”?What is the role of biblical wisdom and boundaries on the road to forgivenessDo I need to forgive myself?Is forgiveness a “free pass” for the person who hurt me?Does forgiveness mean that our relationship will be restored?Do I have to forgive if the person who hurt me isn’t sorry?Making Sense of Forgiveness speaks to those who are struggling by acknowledging the seriousness of their pain, explaining the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and helping readers understand the relationship between forgiveness and emotional freedom. The author explores the characteristics of God’s forgiveness toward us and how that shapes our own forgiveness.“Often Christians get so excited about the destination (restoration) and foundation (the gospel) of forgiveness that we rush one another through the process of forgiveness,” explains Hambrick. “As a counselor, I talk to many people who have been hurt in their relationships. They most often know they need to forgive and want to do so. But when they feel rushed, they can become resistant. Or, when there is more clarity on the destination than the process, they can feel stuck. This book is for the person who feels rushed or stuck on their journey of forgiveness.”Making Sense of Forgiveness includes a foreword from lawyer, activist, and former gymnast Rachael Denhollander who writes, “With gentleness and sensitivity to the real suffering that has taken place whenever the question of forgiveness is raised, Brad lays out a concise and comprehensive approach to understanding forgiveness and what it entails. Much as I did, you will wrestle with what forgiveness is—and what it is not. With insightful reflection questions and practical steps to help wisely guide the process, Brad couples careful exegesis with day-to-day application, bringing clarity and direction to a critical concept too often mired in misunderstanding and unhelpful practices.”Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt toward Hope
by Brad Hambrick
October 4, 2021 / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-143-3
Religion/Christian Ministry/Counseling and RecoveryAbout the Author Brad Hambrick, ThM, EdD, serves as the Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church in Durham, NC. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a council member of the Biblical Counseling CoalitionHe has authored several books including God’s Attributes: Rest for Life Struggles and Making Sense of Forgiveness. Hambrick also served as general editor for the Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused curriculum.Hambrick, his wife, Sallie, and two sons live in Raleigh, NC.Learn more about Brad Hambrick and follow his blog and podcasts at bradhambrick.com. He can also be found on Facebook (brad.hambrick.5), Twitter (@bradhambrick) and Instagram (@bradhambrick). What Others Are Saying “The practice of forgiveness is central to life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. But it is not easy, nor is it always clear how to proceed. Brad Hambrick is a trustworthy shepherd who leads us carefully through a nuanced and practical discussion of this complex topic. Whether you are a person who has been sinned against and are wrestling with forgiving the one who hurt you or an offender receiving forgiveness from the one you hurt, Brad’s biblically-saturated guide will help you take the next wise step.”~ Michael R. Emlet, Dean of Faculty and counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); author of Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us“Extending and receiving forgiveness is sometimes like a sprint. More often it is like a marathon. Running well and finishing the race requires a well-planned strategy. It also is significantly aided by helpful companions. This book is one such companion. It is a reservoir of biblical wisdom. I cannot commend it more highly.” ~ Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary“There are few voices I trust more than Brad Hambrick. This is especially true as he navigates us through the deep and often tumultuous terrain of forgiveness. From the suffering saint to the seasoned counselor, anyone who reads this book will immediately benefit from its rich teaching on a most important topic. I can say confidently that this will be a resource I will turn to with frequency and joy. I trust the same for all who read it.”~ Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling; pastor of counseling, Parkside Church Suggested Interview Questions Forgiveness is  beautiful and simple in theory, but rather messy and difficult in execution. Why is it that we often oversimplify forgiveness?What metaphor do you offer in defining forgiveness?You talk about what forgiveness is, but you also talk about what forgiveness is not. What are the five things forgiveness is not?As friends to someone who is hurting, why do we feel the need to rush the person through the process of forgiveness? How does rushing the process of forgiveness undermine trust?What are the three commitments we make when we forgive?What are some examples of occasions when forgiveness is unnecessary or even not appropriate?Is God’s forgiveness unconditional? What does that mean for us since we are supposed to forgive as he forgives?We hear the phrase “forgive and forget” a lot. Is forgetting actually required or even always possible?What do we do with our memories after we forgive? What does it mean to remember well?After you forgive someone, is it ok to set up some relational boundaries with them?Making Sense of Forgiveness not only navigates the difficulties of extending forgiveness but also accepting forgiveness. What are some of the challenges that come along with being the offender?Is embracing forgiveness from people harder than accepting forgiveness from God?There are times when offenses are hurtful not only to us but involve others or are criminal in nature. Can you share a little bit about those chapters in the book?What final piece of encouragement would you leave with someone struggling with the journey of forgiveness that is listening to (or reading) this interview? No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe.
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