“If forgiveness and its sometimes-appropriate aim of reconciliation are predicated on truth, and made possible by forbearance rather than revenge, then developing and expressing empathy for the offending person is the third element. Empathy is rooted in the realization that the one who hurt us remains human and needs our kindness. Empathy recognizes that at some point we may have done to someone else the very thing we are now trying to transcend.”
Donald Shriver
“As long as you don't forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind.”
Isabelle Holland
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."
Paul Boese
“And throughout all eternity I forgive you, you forgive me.”
William Blake
"Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past."
Lily Tomlin
"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"To understand all is to forgive all."
French Proverb
“It is just as necessary to forgive ourselves as it is to forgive others, and the principal reason why forgiveness seemed so difficult is because we have neglected to forgive ourselves.”
Christian D. Larson
"If you are dealing with fears and insecurities from old head programs, have compassion for yourself. Just love your insecurities, fears and resentments. Release and forgive them as they come up. Judging, beating or repressing insecurities just gives them power. Then you have a pattern that never gets resolved. Recognize that your real security is built from your relationship with your own heart."
Sara Paddison
"Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness, anger concealed often hardens into revenge."
Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton
“He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.”
Lord Herbert
"Forgiveness is not something you do for someone else, but to free YOURSELF from the continuation of pain and anger. It is a gift to your peace of mind, your self esteem, your relationships with others, your future."
Kenneth Cloke
"He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass."
George Herbert
If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive.
If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred.
Bhagavad-Gita
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness."
Robert Muller
"Out beyond right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there."
Rumi
“At its essence, forgiveness is a decision to let go of the past… and to tell a new story about what occurred.”
Eileen Barker
“Forgiveness means abandoning your right to pay back that perpetrator in his own coin, but it is a loss that liberates the victim.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu