No Future with out Forgiveness: A 12-step process

Paul W. Carlin, Th.D, Ph.D. of The Therapon Institute. (An Christian counseling licensing and certification institution) writes Forgive as an interrelated concept among the disciplines of psychology, theology and spiritual growth has grown since the 1990's. Christian counselors and clinicians now point to forgiveness as a useful and necessary part of the wounded person's healing process. Dr. J. M. Brandsma writes in the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling, "Forgiveness is overcoming of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors not by denying the offense or the right to be hurt or angry, but by viewing the offender with acceptance ( if not compassion) so that the forgiver can be healed. Forgiveness is not denial or indifference, pardon, reconciliation, condoning, excusing, passive forgetting, weakness, or an interpersonal game. Forgiveness in do way cancels the crime, but it works to take care of the distortions caused by the unhealthy aspects of anger and resentment so that the person may achieve peace of mind and body." How to forgive is the big question. In the 12 steps to forgiveness, Michael has imparted revelation truth in a simple and organized format that will be extremely helpful. Now, with the introduction of Michael's book, "forgiveness focus groups," can become a reality. The work is Biblical and powerful and much needed in the kingdom of God. The ministry and there laity are both crippled by the plague of unforgiveness. Marriages fail, churches crumble and lives are eventually emotionally destroyed because of unforgiveness. Washed up on the beaches of rescue missions and the streets of our large cities are mentally impaired people who were drowned in the sea of unforgiveness. May God bless and use Michael's book to set many Christians free. Paul W. Carlin, Th.D, Ph.D. The Therapon Institute