Reinhard Hirtler - The Power to Forgive

Copyright 2009 Reinhard Hirtler

All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request. Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations are from the Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Emphasis within Scripture is the authors own. Please note that Destiny Images publishing style capitalizes certain pronouns in Scripture that refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and may differ from some publishers styles. Take note that the name satan and related names are not capitalized. We choose not to acknowledge him, even to the point of violating grammatical rules.

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ISBN 10: 0768428211

ISBN 13: 9780768493627

For Worldwide Distribution, Printed in the U.S.A.

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I dedicate this book to all the hurting, wounded, and abused people who have suffered emotional pain, heartache, and agony. To those who are willing to push through their pain, break out of their prisons of unforgiveness and offence, and become the free people God has created them to beyou are the true heroes of the faith!

To my wife, Debi. Thank you for believing in me. Without your constant encouragement, this book would have never been written. Every time I felt like giving up, your words of encouragement pushed me forward. What a joy it is to continually take risks for the Kingdom of God together with you. What an amazing wife and friend the Lord gave me in you.

To my sons, Danny and Chris. You are great sons. Thank you, Danny, for reading the manuscript and for your valuable suggestions. Thank you, Chris, for your patience while I spent so many hours writing this book. I love you both!

To Nuffi. For your stubborn encouragement over many years concerning this project.

To John and Lisa. John, what a friend I found in you; you are so gentle and wise. Thank you for your helpful thoughts and insights. Lisa, thank you for your words of wisdom, not just concerning this book, but also into my life. Your depth and wisdom never cease to amaze me. In times of doubt, both of you believed in me and in this book.

To Tony and Nancy. You opened your home to us and showered us with love and grace. Thank you for letting me use the cabin to write this book. Tony, thank you for refreshing me by giving me your time when I need to relax.

To my best friend, Gerhard. God blessed me beyond words with your faithful friendship. You have a special place in my heart. Elfriede, thank you for lending me your husband so many times without complaining and being such a good friend to me and Debi. Christina, Hannah, and Samuel, thank you for always welcoming me and sharing your home with me.

To Ed and Enid. Ed, thank you for reading the manuscript. Thank you both for always loving us so unconditionally and for years of faithful friendship.

To Mike and Nicole. Mike, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and reading through the manuscript. Your encouragement meant so much to meit came at a difficult time. Nicole, thank you for your refreshing smile and your sensitive heart.

To David and Amanda. Thank you for reading through these pages and giving me your feedback. Your passion for the Kingdom is inspiring and refreshing.

To Rob. Thank you for taking the time to read the manuscript and giving me your feedback. You have inspired me often. Words you spoke over two decades ago are still with me.

To Wolfi. Every time I met with you I left encouraged and inspired. You blessed me more than you realize. Thank you for reading the manuscript.

To Linda. You constantly pour your love into us. Words cannot express what you have done for us. Thank you for reading the manuscript.

To Mutti and Vati. You raised me in the ways of the Lord and faithfully prayed for me. You didnt give up when I almost ran away from the Lord in my pain. I love you dearly.

To Mom. You are my favorite mother-in-law. Even if you werent my only one, you still would be my favorite one. I love you, Mom.

To Marco. Your willingness to help with this book blessed me.

To all my wonderful Christian friends in Austriatoo many to name. You graciously opened your lives to me and allowed me to be part of your journey. You are some of the most amazing people in the world.

To my Lord Jesus. You never left me, never gave up on me, always taught me Your ways so lovingly. You healed my pain and gently, patiently led me on the road of life. I would not want to live one minute of my life without You. I love You with every fiber of my being.

A must-read for those wanting to come out stronger on the other side of betrayal, abuse, disappointment, and loss. Readers will be greatly encouraged by Reinhard Hirtlers practical insights and deep compassion. He takes us beyond the path of healing to the land of victory over every affliction of the soul.

John Hansen
Comptroller, MorningStar Ministries
Author, The Vision That Changed a Nation

One of the biggest battles facing the people of God today is that of unforgiveness and bitterness. Marriages, families, and churches are being divided, and countless people are being robbed of the fullness of God in their lives by this common enemy. The Power to Forgive, by my friend Reinhard Hirtler, contains some of the most helpful insights on this crucial subject that I have ever read. This book identifies open doors that have given unforgiveness and bitterness access into our lives, and it exposes the dangers of harboring these ruthless enemies. The wisdom found in these pages will help you navigate through the process of receiving the Fathers healing and restoration in your own heart.

Mike Roberts, Assistant Pastor
MorningStar Fellowship Church
Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Through a wonderful blend of vivid illustration, story telling, penetrating questions, practical advice, personal testimony, and biblical wisdom, Reinhard Hirtler, in his new book The Power to Forgive, inspires us to take a healthier and deeper look at our lives and relationships to see if we are being weighed down by the tragedy of unresolved bitterness and resentment. I cannot think of a more profound and universal subjectforgivenessto address, because it too often receives only superficial treatment by various cultures within todays society. It becomes immediately apparent that Reinhard wont allow us to settle for a surface solution as he appeals to us out of both his rich personal and pastoral experience. He helps us to desire to penetrate deeper regions of our hearts to ferret out any such enemies that may, openly or secretly, be gnawing away at our joy in Christ and what He has done for us in His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of His Spirit upon us. May we all discover the grace of God to overcome the bitterness of this world that is such a terrible poison to our souls. Thank you, Reinhard, for serving us the sound and practical wisdom you have learned to help us gain greater and lasting freedom through Jesus Christ.