"Uncaged: Living a Life of Freedom" is a profound journey of redemption and liberation from the suffocating cages of abuse, shame, and unforgiveness. Jay Cookingham, the author, shares his personal story of breaking free from the darkness that once consumed him and invites readers to join him on a path towards forgiveness and ultimate freedom.
The book emphasizes that forgiveness is not about denying the hurt or excusing the behavior of those who have wronged us. Instead, it's a journey of healing, compassion, and reclaiming one's identity as a beloved child of God. He highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries and seeking professional help when needed.
When I share my own journey towards forgiving my father and eventually his mother.
Why do we need to forgive? Forgiveness is at the very heart of the gospel.
Colossians 3:13 states:
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
We were born sinners, enemies against God, but He loved us enough to send Christ, His Son, to die for us. God is serious about forgiveness—it’s the core of His heart. There are over seven hundred scriptures about forgiveness in the Bible. The scriptures are dripping with forgiveness. So was the cross!
The enemy of our soul is serious about forgiveness as well. Satan is dead set against our buying into God’s plan of forgiveness. Why?
Because forgiveness liberates, forgiveness sets captives free! The first one uncaged is the one who forgives.
Author Phillip Keller says this about forgiveness:
“The degree to which I am able and willing to forgive others is a clear indication of the extent to which I have personally experienced God my Father’s forgiveness for me.”
Matthew 6:14 puts it this way:
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”