What does forgiveness entail?

Forgiveness is fundamentally about the act of excusing a mistake or offense. It involves the conscious decision to let go of feelings of resentment or vengeance towards someone who has harmed you. By choosing to forgive, an individual acknowledges the wrongdoing but chooses not to let it dictate their emotional or mental state. Instead of clinging to anger or the desire for retribution, forgiving someone means accepting that the offense happened and deciding to move forward without bitterness. This act can lead to healing and reconciliation, both for the individual who is forgiving and for the relationship with the offender.

In contrast, holding a grudge, ignoring the offense, or seeking revenge are not aligned with the essence of forgiveness as they maintain the cycle of hostility and do not facilitate emotional release or personal growth.