Sarcasm. Hurt feelings. Misunderstanding. Alienation. When hurt people connect with other hurt people, relationship breakdowns are sure to occur. Why is it so hard to patch things up? Who should make the first move? This 96-page book on reconciliation tackles how to forgive the "un-forgivable," how to move past the hurt, and how to restore relationships by restoring trust.

What is Reconciliation? 3 Core Truths about Broken Relationships and Reconciliation

1. Forgiving someone is not the same as reconciliation.
2. Unforgiveness is the root of unresolved conflict.
3. Reconciliation is a restored relationship based on restored trust.

Even when there are valid reasons to feel hurt and even when the other person is undeserving, the spirit of reconciliation reflects the heart of God.

Find out what you need to know about reconciliation and healing in relationships. It includes—

1. Definition Section on Reconciliation, Restoration, and Mediation

   Discover the real truth that with God there is no relationship that cannot be restored. Review key definitions and encouraging Bible stories that show God's heart and desire for reconciliation and forgiveness. Covers key Bible stories, such as David, Joseph and his brothers, Abigail, and Jesus.

2. Characteristics Section: Keys to Repairing a Broken Relationship

   This helpful section answers the fundamental questions: Am I ready for reconciliation? What does reconciliation look like? and Are we required to reconcile all relationships?

   • Learn how to spot the 8 characteristics of an alienating heart (pride, faultfinding, avoidance, isolation, hopelessness, etc.) and the 8 characteristics of a heart of reconciliation (humility, forgiveness, self-examination, communication, risk-taking, and more).
   
   
   • Find out the 9 differences between reconciliation and forgiveness.
   
   
   • Discover the root causes for a lack of reconciliation along with 20 signs of a hardened heart.

3. Steps to Solution Section: How to Mend Broken Relationships and Open the Door to Reconciliation

Gives helpful relationship advice on reconciliation and how to heal broken relationships. Steps to reconciliation include preparing our heart, forgiving others, showing love, reflecting the character of Christ, entering into His peace, and seeking mediation if needed.

Discover how to reconcile and heal broken relationships:

• Get a close up look at the story of the prodigal son and its principles of reconciliation.
• Find out the 4 goals of reconciliation and how to achieve them!
• Examine your own heart with a helpful "heart test"—includes 8 questions to help you reflect on your own heart and actions toward your offender.
• Get answers to key questions, such as—
• Why am I even going through this?
• What do I do if I can't persuade someone with a stubborn heart to reconcile?
• Should I seek reconciliation even when I am still angry?
• What do I do if my effort to bring about reconciliation with someone fails?

This helpful, easy-to-understand minibook will help you prepare your heart to resolve differences and it shows that the road to reconciliation—although difficult—is possible with God.

Paperback, 96 pages, 4 x 7 inches. Fits in a pocket or purse.
Product Code: 269X
ISBN: 9781596368897

Look for all 42 titles in the Hope For The Heart Biblical Counseling Library. These mini-books are for people who seek freedom from codependency, anger, conflict, verbal and emotional abuse, depression, or other problems.

June Hunt

June Hunt, M.A. Criswell College, is a biblical counselor whose award-winning radio program "Hope For The Heart" is heard on 900 radio outlets around the world. For more than 25 years, she has counseled people, offering them hope for today's problems. June has helped many people with emotional, relational, and spiritual problems experience God's love through biblical hope and practical help.

Hope For The Heart Board of Reference

Dr. Henry Blackaby (Blackaby Ministries International), Dr. Rick Warren (Saddleback Church), Dr. Tony Evans (The Urban Alternative), Joni Eareckson Tada (Joni and Friends), Kay Arthur (Precept Ministries International), Dr. David Jeremiah (Turning Point), Dr. Tim Clinton (American Association of Christian Counselors), Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Bruce Wilkinson Ministries), Dr. Chip Ingram (Living on the Edge), Roger Staubach (SRS Real Estate Partners), Steve Arterburn (New Life Ministries), Vonette Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ), Dr. Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries), Zig Ziglar (Ziglar Training Systems)