Reviews
Forgiveness is such a simple concept, why have a book about it? Primarily because the distance from concept to reality can feel like a chasm. After many years of Christian life and service I thought I understood forgiveness pretty well – I had even spoken on the subject! Then, like so many others, I experienced the decimation of some close personal friendships. Faced with intense feelings of betrayal I realised my previous understanding was impotent to help me forgive. Through the straightforward but life-changing message in this book I not only saw the gaping holes in my ‘theology’ of forgiveness but more importantly managed to cross the chasm of unforgiveness – some of those who I doubted I could ever speak to again are now among my closest friends and partners in ministry.
John Gibson Singer/Songwriter
Just two weeks ago, travelling around the UK on a national seminar tour for marketing professionals, I spent hours speaking to a young man about the need for forgiveness. I have done this countless times in my life and on every occasion the material I instinctively use comes from Joff Day’s book. It has never failed to help. In fact in my own travels, at any time and in any part of the world, I often come across people in need of freedom from unforgiveness. There is only one book I point them to – Forgive Release and Be Free! It has been a blessing and a release to scores of my contacts. I encourage pastors to keep copies in stock and ready for use.
David Oliver Author of Work: Prison or Place of Destiny and co-author of Church That Works
Joff offers keen insight into the practical application of the truth of biblical forgiveness. As John Wimber offered the body of Christ a practical model for healing prayer, Joff has created a practical model for ministering forgiveness. My wife and I had the unique opportunity of spending several weeks with Joff and the folks he works with, learning to forgive and release. It was nothing less than life-changing. We in turn have ministered it to others, who glow with the results of being free from bitterness, anger and resentment.
Michael Mathias Businessman
Joff’s book carries a life-changing message which, sadly, too many fail to apply. What kind of a world would we live in and how many doctors’ waiting rooms would be emptied if we outworked on our lives the principle of forgive and release? Read the book and recover your health!
Dave and Chris Richards Salt & Light Ministries
We found Forgive, Release and Be Free! to be an important book as it takes those who respond to its message into an experience beyond what is normally taught on forgiveness. Full release and freedom within has been experienced by those who have acted upon its message. We heartily recommend the book.
Don and Heather Double Good News Crusade
This book has revolutionised the way we minister to people in the church. Most people who need help in a discipleship or pastoral context have forgiveness issues to deal with. Joff’s book has virtually become required reading for church members and is a set text in many of our training programmes.
Nic Harding Frontline
Forgive, Release and Be Free! is one of the handful of books that we encourage every member of our congregation to read. Its message is absolutely fundamental to embracing the freedom that Jesus wants for every Christian. There are very few who are not impacted and blessed by Joff’s clear and insightful teaching.
David Stanley Heartlands Church
Acknowledgements
Foreword
What Others Have Said About This Book
Introduction
1 A Wounded Heart
2 Roots, Fruit, Seeds and Soil
3 Debts and Debtors
4 The Unforgiving Servant
5 The Soil of Insecurity
6 The Seed of Offence
7 The Manure of Judgement
8 The Root of Bitterness
9 The Fruit of Resentment
10 The Torture Chamber
11 Opening the Books
12 Settling Accounts
13 Staying Free
14 Forgiveness Brings Healing
15 Questions I Am Asked Frequently
16 Forgiveness Works!
Appendix A How to Become a Christian
Appendix B Visual Aids to Sharing Forgiveness