What do you think?
Rate this book
Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven
With Let It Go Bishop Jakes shows us how we can lead an emotionally vital and spiritually healthy life by learning how to forgive and be forgiven. 'Our inability to forgive past offenses robs us of joy, peace, and purpose, poisoning our souls with lethal toxins that drain every area of our life. Just as seemingly harmless, carefree moments spent basking in sunshine can lead to the development of a malignant melanoma, the grudges we harbour can metastasize into a cancer on our souls, eating away at our strength, happiness, and productivity. "If we want to experience a life filled with peace, productivity, and power, then we must practice the art of forgiveness. In order to practice forgiveness, we must learn new styles of conflict resolution and new forms of anger management. Aware of God's amazing grace, we can now ask him to forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us. We can love others out of an awareness of how we ourselves have been forgiven by God and loved unconditionally as his child.' Chapter titles include: Cancer of the Soul, Offenses Do Come, Where Did This Come From?, Silence Doesn't Mean Consent, The Power of a Pure Heart, Write It Off, Trust Doesn't Come Easy, Recovery Rate, Uprooted, Available for What's Next, Forgiven for Good.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
337 people are currently reading
2904 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Jakes
452 books1,128 followersBishop T.D. Jakes is the author of the bestsellers God's Leading Lady; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; Maximize the Moment; The Great Investment; His Lady; Woman, Thou art Loosed (the film of which won the Best Film Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival) and He-Motions. His daily morning show The Potter's Touch and weekly broadcast The Potter's House air on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television, as well as in Europe and South America. Bishop Jakes is the founder and pastor of The Potter's House, one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation, where he leads an interracial congregation of more than 28,000 members. He lives in Dallas with his wife and five children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 23, 2012
This was a such a great read and something I really needed in my life with some current family problems. Learning and truly understanding that forgiveness isn't about the other person at all but about letting of anger and hatred because it makes your heart so heavy and dark finally made perfect sense to me. My dad used to tell me that a great definition of forgiveness was not when you forgot about what happened, because we has human can't do that, but when it just really doesn't matter anymore. I finally got it!
May 15, 2012
The biggest thing that this book talks about is forgiveness and patience. If you just get stuck in the past and can't forgive and move on, then you just might miss out on the biggest opportunity of your life. It's hard sometimes to forgive someone, but it's just something that you have to do. Someone does something that you don't like and it makes you upset. You need to learn to forgive that person and keep moving forward. You have to stop thinking negative and about what you could have or should have done. You have to say I can or will do something and just go for it. It can be very scary to just let go of the past and move on. What that person did is probably not even as bad as you think or for the reasons you think. You need to do yourself a favor and forgive. Don't just forgive that person, but forgive yourself if you treated this person unfairly. Hopefully they have it in their heart to forgive as well. Do this, and your life could be changed forever for the better. You have to keep your attitude in check. Also, do not compare your life to anyone else. God is giving you opportunities.
This book came to me at the perfect time in my life. I had some things happen and I let them get to me. While I was reading this book, I was really thinking about the situation and that I really needed to forgive. Thank you T.D. Jakes for writing this awesome book that made a big impact in my life! I highly recommend this book!
This book came to me at the perfect time in my life. I had some things happen and I let them get to me. While I was reading this book, I was really thinking about the situation and that I really needed to forgive. Thank you T.D. Jakes for writing this awesome book that made a big impact in my life! I highly recommend this book!
Read
July 5, 2012While I enjoy Bishop T.D. Jakes and believe him to be a very captivating speaker and spiritual teacher, I approached this book with lukewarm optimism. The title, “Let it Go”, left no surprises about the topic. Furthermore a minister’s appeal to forgive those who wrong us, in verbal or written form, is the most original of messages. I was, however, truly touched by Bishop Jakes’ writing. As a person who has and still does struggle with forgiveness, I consider myself an expert at holding a grudge. As such, I was often annoyed and angered by what I consider over simplified and naive arguments encouraging forgiveness. Some things and people, I thought, just cannot and shouldn’t be forgiven.
That being said, I was really taken aback by Jakes approach on forgiveness in this book. He possesses keen insight into the human condition and discusses the nuances of resentment and forgiveness with eloquence, sensitivity and humor.
“Let it Go” discusses the act forgiveness in its entirety, its origins, creating resentment in others, why some people are less forgiving than others and why forgiveness is essential to your personal and spiritual mutuality. Reading this book took me on an emotional journey of enlightenment, laughter, offense, anger, sadness and relief. While “Let it Go” does focus on the spiritual significance of forgiveness, Jakes’ appeal translates into our nonsecular world. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling with the challenge of forgiveness.
That being said, I was really taken aback by Jakes approach on forgiveness in this book. He possesses keen insight into the human condition and discusses the nuances of resentment and forgiveness with eloquence, sensitivity and humor.
“Let it Go” discusses the act forgiveness in its entirety, its origins, creating resentment in others, why some people are less forgiving than others and why forgiveness is essential to your personal and spiritual mutuality. Reading this book took me on an emotional journey of enlightenment, laughter, offense, anger, sadness and relief. While “Let it Go” does focus on the spiritual significance of forgiveness, Jakes’ appeal translates into our nonsecular world. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling with the challenge of forgiveness.
January 18, 2025
ok but I really don’t agree with some of his opinions 🤗
T.D JAKES 💜
T.D JAKES 💜
April 17, 2012
Let It Go is my first experience with T.D. Jakes, and it's not hard to understand his popularity as a pastor, speaker, author, and media favorite. Within the first few minutes of this audio CD (and I would highly recommend the audio version over the print version), I was completely hooked by listening to his compelling brew of common sense logic, homespun wisdom, and delightfully colorful analogies, all delivered in the richest, most melodious voice .. . (no wonder he's the recipient of a 2004 Grammy award).
No surprise either that Let it Go is an uplifting look at life, forgiveness, and the human condition. Of course that's why we turn to inspirational speakers . . . along the road to forgiveness of self and others, Jakes does deliver plenty of lessons in hard love as he encourages us to take a good long look in the mirror. But he delivers his message in a way that's understandable, sympathetic, at times refreshingly self-effacing, and completely palatable. And let's face it, when I pop this CD into my car on a long commute after a longer day at work, the last thing I want to hear is a bleak, pompous message. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical at first, since Jakes as a pastor understandably delivers a Christian-based message, but it's not at all heavy handed (except for a chapter or so that sounded rather like an indictment of the church, or at least churches favoring a "holier than thou" approach to their congregations). Still, as a non-Christian listener, the message didn't detract from the overall message of the book, which I would most definitely listen to again. The final chapters are remarkable--incredibly life affirming. Overall, a highly recommended audio book for purchase by individuals and institutions.
No surprise either that Let it Go is an uplifting look at life, forgiveness, and the human condition. Of course that's why we turn to inspirational speakers . . . along the road to forgiveness of self and others, Jakes does deliver plenty of lessons in hard love as he encourages us to take a good long look in the mirror. But he delivers his message in a way that's understandable, sympathetic, at times refreshingly self-effacing, and completely palatable. And let's face it, when I pop this CD into my car on a long commute after a longer day at work, the last thing I want to hear is a bleak, pompous message. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical at first, since Jakes as a pastor understandably delivers a Christian-based message, but it's not at all heavy handed (except for a chapter or so that sounded rather like an indictment of the church, or at least churches favoring a "holier than thou" approach to their congregations). Still, as a non-Christian listener, the message didn't detract from the overall message of the book, which I would most definitely listen to again. The final chapters are remarkable--incredibly life affirming. Overall, a highly recommended audio book for purchase by individuals and institutions.
August 18, 2012
I've not read any self-help books before, which is basically what Let It Go is. While there are definitely nuggets of useful insight to ponder, I couldn't help but notice some padding. Like a lot of padding. This book could have delivered the same message in about a half of the pages. Ultimately it was worth reading, since in my estimation books like this are worth it if they can impart even one technique for improving yourself.
March 23, 2017
This book is great! The message helped me in many ways and I continue to reflect on the message after a year.
March 14, 2012
Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven, by T.D. Jakes, Hardcover, Atria Books, 2012, 272 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1416547297, $25.00
Jesus provided the path to forgiveness and salvation with his resurrection Easter morning!
Are you able to let go of past hurts, find grace to forgive, receive or accept forgiveness, live in the freedom of God’s grace that enables you to become who God created you to be? T.D. Jakes, well-known pastor and bestselling author thinks you can and tells you how by way of Let It Go, his new release that explores what he calls the “big idea” of forgiveness.
In this book Jakes contrasts the “big idea” of forgiveness with the “smaller idea” of “hatred, resentment and revenge.” While the big idea leads to restoration of people and relationships, the smaller idea, the lack of forgiveness, memorializes hurts and restores nothing.
Fourteen chapters of tips, suggestions and spiritual instruction….
Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/85el4uw
Jesus provided the path to forgiveness and salvation with his resurrection Easter morning!
Are you able to let go of past hurts, find grace to forgive, receive or accept forgiveness, live in the freedom of God’s grace that enables you to become who God created you to be? T.D. Jakes, well-known pastor and bestselling author thinks you can and tells you how by way of Let It Go, his new release that explores what he calls the “big idea” of forgiveness.
In this book Jakes contrasts the “big idea” of forgiveness with the “smaller idea” of “hatred, resentment and revenge.” While the big idea leads to restoration of people and relationships, the smaller idea, the lack of forgiveness, memorializes hurts and restores nothing.
Fourteen chapters of tips, suggestions and spiritual instruction….
Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/85el4uw
May 24, 2012
T.D. Jakes shares from his own life on how he overcame obstacles to forgiveness and shares some stories of others and how they overcame obstacles to forgiveness.
There seems to be a practical aspect of forgiveness that seems to be missing from this book. I would highly recommend "the Steps to Freedom in Christ" by Neil T. Anderson, especially step 3 called, "Bitterness Versus Forgiveness." In this step you will be able to take an inventory in writing of people who have offended you and forgive them one by one. These "Steps to Freedom in Christ" can be found at the back of most of Neil T. Anderson's books.
I like that T.D. Jakes focuses on how liberating forgiveness can be for yourself and how the only person you are really hurting when you don't forgive is yourself. It is time to let the fish off the hook and begin living a life free from offences!
There seems to be a practical aspect of forgiveness that seems to be missing from this book. I would highly recommend "the Steps to Freedom in Christ" by Neil T. Anderson, especially step 3 called, "Bitterness Versus Forgiveness." In this step you will be able to take an inventory in writing of people who have offended you and forgive them one by one. These "Steps to Freedom in Christ" can be found at the back of most of Neil T. Anderson's books.
I like that T.D. Jakes focuses on how liberating forgiveness can be for yourself and how the only person you are really hurting when you don't forgive is yourself. It is time to let the fish off the hook and begin living a life free from offences!
September 14, 2012
Breath taking in its power and simplicity. Bishop Jakes gets right to the heart of the matter. He pulls no punches, yet is kind and compassionate. There is no command-like presence here, meaning "you better do it this way or else." He is more of a presence of invitation, to examination, acknowledgement and action. He addresses the need to forgive others and even more powerfully, the need to forgive oneself.
I didn't read the entire thing - I skimmed portions and thoroughly read others, as I learned to do when I worked at a Barnes and Noble bookstore, becoming familiar with the product. It was a two week library book.
I didn't read the entire thing - I skimmed portions and thoroughly read others, as I learned to do when I worked at a Barnes and Noble bookstore, becoming familiar with the product. It was a two week library book.
June 9, 2021
So far so good. Bishop Jakes opens up with a good introduction about himself and the nature of human beings..
May 3, 2015
It was a great read, at times I felt he was speaking directly to me after peeking in my window.
Read
November 1, 2016The art of forgiveness is something that is required of everyone at some point in their life, yet this seems to be a very difficult thing for most people to do. When another person harms us, does something to us that we don’t like the first thing most of do or think about is getting even with that person or wishing bad karma on that person. But we rarely think about forgiving that person for what they have done to us. In this book T.D. Jakes explains why we should all practice and be willing to forgive another person. Forgiving someone for something they have done to you does mean you have to or will forget what they did, it does not make you a weak minded person and it does not mean that the other person is deserving of your forgiveness. When you forgive someone you are really doing it for yourself because being a forgiving person allows you to move on in a positive direction. Forgiving helps cleanse your soul and feel better about yourself. When you forgive someone you actually are not doing it for their sake and well-being but for your sake and well-being. When you don’t forgive another person you are not hurting the other person, you are hurting yourself because the other person is going on with their life and in many cases not even thinking about you. If you have a hard time forgiving people I would highly recommend this book as many things Jakes wrote about in the book are very practical and can be implemented very easily if you are committed to be a forgiving person.
January 26, 2018
Soul healing and eye opening book..
"In order to experience the glow of full health and wholeness, we need some way to heal this hurt, wounded, damaged, injured, infected part of ourselves; otherwise, the infection grows and slowly, gradually continues to debilitates all areas of our lives."
"The poison of unquenched anger doesn't infect the perpetrator but only incarcerates the victim.."
"The truth of the matter is there are some things that happen in life that you must forgive without the benefit of an apology, for your own emotional survivor.."
"You will not be an effective leader or productive innovator unless you learn the art of forgiveness."
"To restore our emotional and spiritual health we must exercise forgiveness on a regular if not daily basis."
"Your experience isn't a failure but a learning opportunity that should now help you to determine what is and isn't the highest and best use of your time and energy..
It is time to evict them from your heart and open yourself up to the clean, inviting, creative space within where you can occupy and enjoy your own life.."
"In order to experience the glow of full health and wholeness, we need some way to heal this hurt, wounded, damaged, injured, infected part of ourselves; otherwise, the infection grows and slowly, gradually continues to debilitates all areas of our lives."
"The poison of unquenched anger doesn't infect the perpetrator but only incarcerates the victim.."
"The truth of the matter is there are some things that happen in life that you must forgive without the benefit of an apology, for your own emotional survivor.."
"You will not be an effective leader or productive innovator unless you learn the art of forgiveness."
"To restore our emotional and spiritual health we must exercise forgiveness on a regular if not daily basis."
"Your experience isn't a failure but a learning opportunity that should now help you to determine what is and isn't the highest and best use of your time and energy..
It is time to evict them from your heart and open yourself up to the clean, inviting, creative space within where you can occupy and enjoy your own life.."
June 11, 2021
Was given a load of books from a friend and I must admit I do love a work book that isn’t to do with my actual work and a good avoidance strategy . Really interesting book and all I can think about after reading this is having anger hate jealously whatever negative feeling you may have about anyone clogging about my heart and being someone who is health conscious I don’t like the thought of anyone or anything negative thought clogging up my heart. Using this as a visual tool definitely helps me realise any negativity I have eg . Lack of forward momentum in work meetings is not gong to clog up my heart and better let it go before it does . Not my monkey not my circus !
It is interesting as it talks about the church and how many people feel let down by the church but mostly it’s more about you and the high expectations you put on them and what they should do for your rather than you going out and getting your needs met by yourself . Interesting wee read .
It is interesting as it talks about the church and how many people feel let down by the church but mostly it’s more about you and the high expectations you put on them and what they should do for your rather than you going out and getting your needs met by yourself . Interesting wee read .
July 1, 2023
What an amazing book emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, and not just for the person receiving forgiveness but mainly for the person doing the forgiving. This is something that I’ve wrestled with for about half my life, given my father wasn’t in my life and committed several offenses to me and my family. Learning to forgive and set myself free from that bondage has been a decade long journey and I believe im still learning but this book broke down ways that forgiveness is possible and channeling anger in a healthy way whilst not allowing it to control you. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with unforgiveness in their heart to break the chains that bind you.
The book is mildly spiritual but there is a chapter (13) that gets a bit preachy and it was alright but I enjoyed the teaching portion of the book more. This is as expected though from a book written by a pastor and such a passionate one at that.
Book Score: 8.5/10
The book is mildly spiritual but there is a chapter (13) that gets a bit preachy and it was alright but I enjoyed the teaching portion of the book more. This is as expected though from a book written by a pastor and such a passionate one at that.
Book Score: 8.5/10
May 24, 2020
Fantastic Book
My wife had purchased this book quite a while ago and it was included in our Kindle library for quite some time. I finally got around to reading it, and found it absolutely incredible. It is a fantastic and life-giving book for all individuals. The truth is, we all can relate to the poison of unforgiveness and built-up resentment over our lives. This book offers a fresh and brilliant perspective on how to release that poison
My wife had purchased this book quite a while ago and it was included in our Kindle library for quite some time. I finally got around to reading it, and found it absolutely incredible. It is a fantastic and life-giving book for all individuals. The truth is, we all can relate to the poison of unforgiveness and built-up resentment over our lives. This book offers a fresh and brilliant perspective on how to release that poison
October 13, 2021
Thought provoking and awakening
During a difficult time in my life, this book, the insight, helped me move past it and forgive. It also helped me put life and the situation in perspective. Sometimes, we as Christians get caught up in the pressure of what's expected of us and while we understand that we must forgive as we are forgiven for our sins, it's the trust that requires building, if it's ever built again. Definitely an rye opener.
During a difficult time in my life, this book, the insight, helped me move past it and forgive. It also helped me put life and the situation in perspective. Sometimes, we as Christians get caught up in the pressure of what's expected of us and while we understand that we must forgive as we are forgiven for our sins, it's the trust that requires building, if it's ever built again. Definitely an rye opener.
October 23, 2017
I like Jakes' style of writing and energy. He shares some great stories as examples, although there could be fewer while still getting the points across. I think I was expecting more about HOW to let go and forgive fully, therefore the average rating. But I'll definitely read one of his other books.
October 20, 2019
I give T. D. Jakes' Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven 4 stars because I was not as receptive as I should have been while listening to this book. I hope to revisit it later and give it the 5 stars it probably deserves. :)
January 16, 2020
Chose to heal as soon as possible otherwise the wound takes much longer to...well...heal. Become aware of why you feel the need to hold on. Know that “they” owe you nothing. Let it go. Thank you and goodbye.
No real revelations here, but nice perspectives.
No real revelations here, but nice perspectives.
April 26, 2021
Jakes performed the audiobook himself, which added to the experience immensely. He explored what the Bible had to say about forgiveness and the results of both choosing to forgives and choosing not to.
August 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, so much so I could have been done much sooner but I kept turning the pages backwards instead of forward to keep rereading different sections!!! Lots of take aways and lessons here!!!
January 31, 2022
I liked how he used example of how children fuss and fight but return to being friends shortly after incident, most likely same day. I also liked emphasis of how God constantly forgives us without holding any grudges. Offered a different perspective on forgiveness and I appreciate that.
April 7, 2022
Do The Work
Sometimes forgiveness can be a hard & daunting task. But this book gives you the tools to do the work. I enjoyed reading this book & I have a new outlook on forgiveness. I can’t wait to do the work & put them in motion.
Sometimes forgiveness can be a hard & daunting task. But this book gives you the tools to do the work. I enjoyed reading this book & I have a new outlook on forgiveness. I can’t wait to do the work & put them in motion.
May 9, 2017
Very eye opening!
TD Jake's leads you on an eye opening journey on how to receive and to give forgiveness. This book is a blessing!
TD Jake's leads you on an eye opening journey on how to receive and to give forgiveness. This book is a blessing!
July 11, 2017
Wonderful book I recommend all read.I really could understand everything he talked about. You can't get through life without God forgiveness and being forgiven.
February 27, 2019
Love this book!
January 20, 2018
Great book! For those who need to forgive and those who need to be forgiven. Two really exceptional chapters on rebuilding trust and the recovery rate. My first TD Jakes book and it was awesome!
June 30, 2018
Terrific book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews