Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace

Selected as the Archbishop of Canterbury's official Lent Book, Free of Charge by world-renowned Yale theologian Miroslav Volf is a profound, beautifully written theological meditation on the twin pillars of Christian grace: giving and forgiving. Living in a transactional society dominated by scorekeeping, entitlement, and vengeance, Volf reveals how genuine Christian faith reflects the unmerited, self-giving character of God. The author examines how God gives unconditionally and how human beings, as recipients of divine generosity, are called to become conduits of blessing rather than hoarders of gifts. More radically, Volf tackles the arduous challenge of forgiveness in the wake of real emotional and social trauma, arguing that forgiveness does not negate justice, but liberates both victim and offender from the destructive cycle of retribution. Rich in biblical scholarship, pastoral wisdom, and personal reflection, this masterpiece inspires readers to embody the radical, liberating grace of the gospel in everyday relationships.