FORGIVE:
Why should I and how can I?
By Timothy Keller
Hodder Faith. 250 pages. £18.99
ISBN 978 1 473 643 130
Having found Chris Braum’s book Unpacking Forgiveness very helpful and the inspiration behind a sermon series on forgiveness a few year ago, I was interested to read Tim Keller’s book Forgive; to see what further insights I could glean from an experienced pastor on what can be a difficult issue in the life of the church as well as out in the world generally.
As many of us have come to expect, Keller does not disappoint. An introduction helpfully puts forgiveness into its contemporary context followed by Chapter One that explains the crucial dimensions of forgiveness Biblically, starting with the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. The book then splits into three sections over 11 chapters including a short epilogue. Much of this will be helpfully familiar, with Chapters Four to Six rooting forgiveness in the Old Testament, the cross and the justice of God.
Keller also surveys various cultural models of forgiveness, all of which fall short of Biblical forgiveness. But then he helpfully makes a distinction between ‘attitudinal forgiveness’ and ‘reconciled forgiveness’ based on Luke 17:3-4 and Mark 11:25. Pastorally it is crucial to discern these two aspects of forgiveness, argues Keller, if we are to navigate the many common situations that frustrate efforts to forgive. Christian forgiveness is about more than the inner attitudinal healing of the heart. It should seek reconciliation even if the offender does not. In addition Christian forgiveness, far from undermining justice, promotes it. Keller defines seeking justice as speaking the truth in love while not shielding people from the consequences of their actions.
Further insights include the idea that forgiveness is granted before it is felt and is always costly. It is emotionally expensive because it involves absorbing much of the cost personally. It means giving up the right to revenge or to receive payment. Indeed it has to be embraced as a form of voluntary suffering. In short a helpful, engaging and nuanced treatment of a difficult topic.
The four appendices are a real bonus, as they contain a list of key Bible verses on forgiveness and three brilliant summaries of the processes of forgiveness that are laid out at greater length in the rest of the book. I think I will be revisiting this helpful and insightful book the next time I preach about forgiveness.
