In a recent offering on the Inc.com website, an article written by Justin Bariso cited a study that appeared in the Journal of Health Psychology. In that study it was shown that forgiveness - of self and others - reduced the effect of stress, which improved physical and mental health.
Loren Toussaint of Luther College authored the study and, as mentioned in the Inc. article, in an interview in Time Magazine he stated that, ". . . Forgiveness takes that bad connection between stress and mental illness and makes it zero."
In the same article, Karen Swartz, M. D,. of Johns Hopkins Hospital was quoted as saying, "There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed."
An article on the Mayo Clinic website entitled "Forgiveness: letting go of grudges and bitterness" mentions a number of health benefits related to forgiveness, among them "lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, stronger immune system and improved heart health."
Forgiveness, of self and others, can thereby provide real benefits across the physical, the mental and the spiritual arenas. Can the simple act of forgiveness really improve the condition of one's mind, body and soul that much?
Kristi Burchfiel, author of 'Piecing Together Forgiveness: A Study Of Philemon' believes it can do all of this and much more. In her latest book, readers will learn not only the principles of forgiveness, but also how they can be applied to impact one's life and relationships. Readers will find answers and see how to piece together a beautiful picture of Godly forgiveness.
"God created us to be relational; we are meant to be in relationships with other people, friends, loved ones, even God Himself," Burchfiel explains. “Because of this, it’s no surprise that broken relationships that have resulted in grudges and bitterness will have serious physical and mental consequences. Forgiveness, at its core, is about restoring relationships. When we are able to forgive others and to be forgiven, we are taking steps to restore the relationships that God has given us in our lives.” Burchfiel continues, “We need forgiveness to restore our relationship with God first and foremost. Then, as we forgive others, we experience the medical benefits for ourselves, as well as the potential for restored relationships with others.”
Kristi writes applicable Bible Studies. Her other works include ‘Without Regrets: A Study Of Ecclesiastes,’ ‘The Decay Within: A Study of Amos,’ and an ebook series entitled ‘The Daily Devotional Series’, which includes eleven devotionals covering multiple books in the Bible including Genesis, John, Psalm and the New Testament. Several years ago, God led Kristi Burchfiel through some difficult times in her personal life. Only by studying and applying the truths found in the Bible did she find the answers she needed to get her life back on track. She now works daily to continue putting those truths into practice. She is passionate about studying the Bible and invites others to share in the peace of God through the truths found in God’s word. As a Christian devotional author, she believes in living in the world while living out the Word.
"Just knowing the word of God is not enough," Burchfiel said, "we must live it out.”
In addition to writing Christian devotionals, Kristi speaks on a variety of different topics including sections from her Bible study books, devotionals, life lessons, personal testimony and the book publishing process. She has been the keynote speaker for women's conferences, led workshops during all day events, and delivered the message in worship services and Sunday School classes. She has also spoken with literacy groups and has appeared numerous times in interviews for websites, radio, and television. She also provides an online devotional for the day and other Bible tools.
Kristi Burchfiel is available for media interviews and speaking engagements. She can be reached using the information below, or by email at k_burchfiel@yahoo.com. More information is available at her website. All Kristi’s books, Christian devotionals, Bible studies for men and women and ebooks are available at Amazon.com and at her website at http://www.kristiburchfiel.com.
Profile:
Kristi Burchfiel grew up in Valley Center, Kansas and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She and her husband, D Burchfiel have been married for 18 years. She resides in Wichita Kansas where D is the Campus Pastor of Summit Church.
Contact:
Kristi Burchfiel
http://www.kristiburchfiel.com
k_burchfiel@yahoo.com
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