I Forgive You
Is there any hope when forgiveness feels impossible? In I Forgive You, Wendy Alsup helps us find peace and move forward when life really hurts.
Ambiguous Loss and Dissonance
In short chapters and a quick 130 pages, Alsup shows us the story of Joseph framed as the quintessential example of ambiguous loss. While ambiguous loss can involve psychological absence with physical presence, Joseph’s story is one of physical absence with psychological presence, such as divorce or estrangement from family. You don’t see the person but you think about them.
Including stories of her own experience, Alsup discusses dissonance – two non-harmonizing notes. In her case, this included broken relationships, especially at church. We were made for community and belonging. Even with broken relationships, we can still find unity and hope in Christ.
Confession and Confidence
Alsup takes us further into her story, speaking of divorce and cancer. And by looking again at Joseph’s story, we can see that God often brings fruitfulness in the land of our affliction. Alsup is sensitive to the situations of her readers, while also remaining steadfast in hope.
The book takes a turn at the half-way point in Chapter 4 and the topic of confession. Alsup is sure to say that sin must be named, but just as confident that God will give grace. What I appreciate most is she states that suffering is not always a sign of sin—but it can be. We must pay attention, search our hearts, and seek hard after God.
Repentance and Forgiveness
Chapter 5 examines Judah and repentance. By bringing in Judah’s story with Tamar alongside Judah’s experience with Joseph, Alsup shows that repentance and genuine change are possible through God’s grace to us. She is a skilled writer, able to show what the Bible says and how it applies to our situations.
Forgiveness is the subject of Chapter 6. I was most interested to learn that forgiveness is a financial term. This makes sense when talking about forgiving debts. Ultimately, forgiveness is sacrifice. And while it is painful, we can trust that God has something better planned.
Humility and Peace
The book ends by seeing humility as a key to repairing broken relationships. Throughout the process, we can have confidence and boldness in the Lord. Do not be afraid as relationships are restored.
After reading this book, “I forgive you” is no longer a simple saying. By looking at the story of Joseph, and ultimately by looking at the story of Jesus, we can find a way forward – and come to a place of peace.
I received a media copy of I Forgive You and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.