Lewis B. Smedes
Lewis B. Smedes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lewis B. Smedes was an American Christian author, counselor, and professor. He is commonly known as Lewis Smedes.
Birth and Death Dates
Smedes was born on January 12, 1921, and passed away on April 8, 2004.
Nationality and Profession(s)
He was an American national and worked as a Christian author, counselor, professor, and theologian.
Early Life and Background
Lewis Smedes grew up in the Netherlands but eventually moved to the United States with his family. He received his education from Calvin College (now known as Calvin University) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After completing his undergraduate degree, he went on to earn his master's and doctoral degrees from Boston University.
Major Accomplishments
Smedes held various academic positions throughout his career. He was a professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His work as an author earned him recognition for writing books that provided a fresh perspective on Christian living.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Lewis Smedes' notable works include:
"Mere Forgiveness: How to Forgive When You Can't Forget": This book is considered one of his most influential works and explores the idea of forgiveness from a Christian perspective.
"Forgive & Forget?: Healing the Hurts We Don't": In this work, Smedes examines the concept of forgiveness in depth and provides practical advice on how to forgive others.
His writings were widely read and admired for their insight into human relationships and spiritual growth. Through his books, Lewis Smedes helped many people understand the value of forgiveness and its impact on personal lives.
Impact and Legacy
Lewis B. Smedes' contributions to Christian thought and counseling have left a lasting legacy in the world. His work has influenced generations of Christians seeking guidance on how to navigate complex relationships and spiritual issues. The ideas he presented in his books continue to inspire readers today, offering practical advice for everyday life.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lewis B. Smedes' writings are widely quoted because they offer practical wisdom on complex topics like forgiveness. His insights into human nature and the role of faith in personal growth have made him a respected authority in Christian circles.
Quotes by Lewis B. Smedes
Lewis B. Smedes's insights on:
True, the apostles did not expressly say that people will be saved only if they repent, believe, and confess. But most evangelicals assume with good reason that this is what the apostles implied.
There are some things about God that, were I to stop believing them, my world would change color, my hope would turn sour, and the meaning of my life would be yanked inside out.
When forgiveness is necessary, don’t wait too long. We must begin to forgive, because without forgiving, we choke off our own joy; we kill our own soul. People carrying hate and resentment can invest themselves so deeply in that resentment that they gradually define themselves in terms of it.
Gandhi was right: if we all live by ‘an eye for an eye’ the whole world will be blind. The only way out is forgiveness.
My wife has lived with at least five different men since we were wed – and each of the five has been me.
You and I were created for joy, and if we miss it we miss the reason for our existence. If our joy is honest joy, it must somehow be congruous with human tragedy. This is the test of joy’s integrity. It is compatible with pain. Only the heart that hurts has a right to joy.
When I feel the joy of receiving a gift my heart nudges me to join creation’s ballet, the airy dance of giving and receiving, and getting and giving again.
Because arrogance is born in personal vanity, arrogant people are driven without mercy. They can never get enough power to fill the soul’s needs or enough respect to overcome the fear that they deserve less than they are getting.
Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory.
Forgiveness is God’s invention for coming to terms with a world in which people are unfair to each other and hurt each other deeply. He began by forgiving us. And He invites us all to forgive each other.