I think perhaps I read this book too far into my journey of forgiveness for it to be of relevance to me, as I did not find it engaging or particularly helpful.
Joyce Meyer focuses strongly on the person who needs to forgive being 'angry' and the first half of the book deals with anger - causes of it, emotions of it, masking of it. For someone who has got past the angry stage, or maybe wasn't angry in the first place, just hurt and confused by another person's behaviour and is just keen to move on with their lives and reach a state of forgiveness, the means that much of the book doesn't really relate to their situation.
She uses good examples of ordinary people facing hurdles to illustrate her point, people with lives and problems that everyone can relate to. She is also incredibly honest about her own failings and how this has affected her relationships with God and with her friends and family.
I found Joyce's style of writing lacked depth - a popular novel compared to a classic - but this style clearly appeals to many. I also found the tendency to intersect scripture quotes with explanations of the meanings of the words frustrating, but again, many people may find this helpful.
In conclusion, if you are a person with a lot of anger to deal with, who is in the very early stages of learning to forgive, then this book may help you. For others who know, or have started, on a journey of forgiveness, I would suggest 'Total Forgiveness' by R T Kendall as a more inspiring read.
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