T.D. Jakes: It's time to forgive

Has T.D. Jakes ever had to forgive?

“Oh, yes,” answers the author of the new book Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven and pastor of The Potter’s House, a 30,000-member church in Dallas.

“I was born in West Virginia in the 1960s in an area that was about 5 percent African-American. So, growing up, I had plenty of opportunities to forgive,” he recalls. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

^{T.D. Jakes and his new book}

His congregation is used to hearing him share his own struggles with “letting go” of past hurts and disappointments. In fact, he has spoken on the issue so many times that he had plenty of material for a book that explores why people insist on hanging onto past heartaches, pain and grudges.

He also offers insights on how to forgive -- and says he was also moved to write on the subject as he watched the constant conflicts of politics. Not so long ago, he led an early morning prayer service for President Barack Obama at St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C. – not a new role for him as he has advised other presidents as well. In his book Decision Points, George W. Bush describes Jakes as “a kind of man who puts faith into action.”

^{T.D. Jakes and President Obama}

Moving in such high circles, has Jakes ever had trouble forgiving? “Every relationship has its challenges,” he admits. “I look around and see people at each other’s throats, constantly blaming each other for what is wrong in our world. I am disturbed by the times in which we live. The death of civility in our generation is disturbing. The conflicts

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