Forgiving Like God: A Conversation with Frank, an AI Persona

By David Wyatt, Indie Author

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Pages: 99, including Appendix

Via: Author Request

Back when her Momness was a young whipper-snapper – shortly after the discovery of fire – one of her fave authors was Dr. Lewis Smedes. He was a professor of theology and ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Smedes wrote 15 books. But Mom’s fave is Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve. Now deceased, Smedes was one of few authors who takes the time and effort  to think and dig deeply into the topic of forgiveness. 

So this book reminded us of good ‘ole Doc Smedes. The author has actually done the hard legwork of thinking, sifting, researching, reflecting, and ruminating on the topic of forgiveness. There’s none of that knee-jerk fluff stuff here. How refreshing.

Kimber: One of the things we really appreciated about this book, besides the fact that its marinated in a biblical worldview, is that it doesn’t take a Ph.D. in whatever to follow. This isn’t one of those dusty, zillion-paged theological tomes or classroom lectures straight out of Snoozeville. Nope. Forgiving Like God is easily accessible. Engaging. Thoughtful but not “pointy-headed intellectual,” kindly pass the No Doze deals, if ya know what I mean. It’s written in easy to understand, everyday language. So even your average Her Momness gets it. What?

For example, we appreciated how the author takes the time to explain that the ultimate goal of forgiveness isn’t to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. That kinda misses the point. By, like a mile and a half. Nopers. The whole point of forgiveness is reconciliation. And it’s based on repentance:

“It’s important to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation. While we are called to forgive as God forgave us, reconciliation is a separate process that often, but not always, following forgiveness. Reconciliation is contingent on the repentance and transformation of the offending party. If harm is ongoing, reconciliation may not be advisable or possible, even if the victim chooses to forgive.” (P. 27.)

How refreshing again. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who confuse the two and/or overlook this key difference.

Internal vs. External

Also: “the internal act of forgiveness and the external act of reconciling” is emphasized and explained. A lot of peeps confuse this too. They just want to “feel better.” The result is a cheap, knee-jerk “fix” when what’s really needed is another coat of paint. Maybe several. And love. The author posits that love, not just forgiveness, is the antidote to feelings of bitterness or resentment. 

Purpose & Benefits

Also how the “aspiration to forgive as God forgives serves multiple purposes.” Five benefits related to “the ability to forget a repented transgression.” How forgiveness doesn’t negate the need for wisdom and discernment or abandon the need for boundaries. Especially when dealing with those who are “persistently harmful or abusive.” 

Chapter 7 is a deep dive into “Forgiving Ourselves.”

Format & Frank

Regarding format, chapters wrap up with a summary of the prior “conversation” in bullet point format. A space for questions to ponder and writing down some answers follows.

David asks “Frank” for his input on a specific topic and Franks responds. For example, in chapter 4, David asks Frank to “provide a list of passages in the Bible where we’re told to forgive or there is an actual example.” Frank replies: “Certainly!” And does. David later asks Frank to “provide a summary of each passage and the takeaway on forgiveness.” Frank does. He’s pretty handy.

Well, Hello!

Her Royal Momness was also pleased to see some of her fave authors of yesteryear (read: when dinosaurs roamed the earth) referenced in the early pages: Matthew Henry, Charles Spurgeon. D.L. Moody. A.W. Tozer.  You know. All the Guys. Hi, Guys!

Finally, Forgiving Like God: A Conversation with Frank, an AI Persona is really, really good. Kimmi: Maybe not as good as a nice, thick and juicy T-bone steak. Nobody’s perfect. 

The book is less than 100 pages. But it packs a punch. It’s crisp. Creative. And clever. Just like one of us! (NOT the one with the opposable thumbs. In case you’re wondering. Arf!)

Forgiving Like God is refreshingly sturdy. Supple. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to reach for again and again as you mull over the nuanced and multi-layered topic and grow your understanding of “forgiving like God.” So I’d grab a copy now ‘fize you. Yea, verily. Selah. 

Kimber: Or you could just talk to me. I’m a world-class forgiver! Besides. I love everyone!

For more from author David Wyatt, click here.

For a non-fiction book that approaches a thorny, often-misunderstood and mis-applied topic with grace, insight, and truth in a fresh and creative format, we’re awarding Forgiving Like God:

Our Rating: 4.5