In Tim Keller’s last book written before his death in 2023, he observes that many in our contemporary culture have a lessened view of forgiveness and a heightened sense of justice.
Keller quotes one writer who said that “constant forgiveness … perpetuates the cycle of attacks and abuse” (p. xvi). “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” is built around the parable of the unforgiving servant of Matthew 18:21–35 and other biblical passages.
The biblical perspective shows us that we need a deep awareness of our own sin and our need for forgiveness from God if we are to rightly forgive others. Forgiveness does not remove the need for accountability and honesty (p. 169).
Keller — founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York and one of the most influential evangelical leaders before his death in 2023 — is realistic about the difficulty of forgiveness in certain situations, and he is careful to distinguish the willingness to forgive from reconciliation of relationships.
Reconciliation and forgiveness
Reconciliation depends on the response of other people, but forgiveness depends on the attitude of one’s own heart (p. 185).
The core of Keller’s book is the practice of rooting forgiveness in the work of Christ, who reconciles sinners to a holy God through the cross (p. 67). He shows how shallow substitutes for true forgiveness need to be rejected, such as blame shifting, self-pity and self-flagellation (ch. 9).
The book is filled with moving examples from Scripture and history of the power of forgiveness, as well as practical wisdom. It is one of his most helpful and personal books and is one to read carefully and give to others. I highly recommend it.
Share with others: