Forgiveness In Jerry Sittser's A Grace Disguised

In the book, A Grace Disguised, by Jerry Sittser, the author shares an emotionally raw account of his personal loss of three family members-his wife, his young daughter, and his mother in a tragic car accident. He takes us through his ability to endure grief and the long journey to forgiveness. Not only must he care for his remaining three children and their emotional wellbeing, he must conquer his own emotions, overcome the overwhelming feeling of loss, and repair his relationship with God. Sittser shows us through his own pain the importance of taking on loss and sorrow head on, that darkness comes with unforgiving and light with forgiveness, and that no one is immune from having hardships brought into their lives. Everyone will suffer from the pain of loss at some point in their lives. It is inevitable, and how an individual deals with that loss and sorrow can shape their future. Sittser tells us that, “people who suffer loss feel unspeakable pain and at times it seems almost unbearable” (p. 54). I have felt this pain …show more content…
It can be a black cloud that follows a person around surrounding them in constant shade. Not everyone has the capacity to immediately or eventually offer forgiveness to whatever wrong doing had been put in front of him or her. In Sittser’s case, it was the unforgiveness which was going to undo him, “I was beginning to harbor hatred in my heart, and I was edging toward becoming an unforgiving person. The very thought of forgiving seemed abhorrent to me. I realized at that moment that I had to forgive. If not, I would be consumed by my unforgiveness” (p. 135). It is important to let go and allow forgiveness, if not, the built-up emotions can follow a person forever. At times, it can be easier to offer oneself to God and allow His light to guide one towards forgiveness. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm