There's more to forgiveness than the standard dictionary definition:
\For*give"ness\, n. [AS. forgifnes.] 1. The act of forgiving; the state of being forgiven; as, the forgiveness of sin or of injuries.
"To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses".--Dan. ix. 9. "In whom we have...the forgiveness of sin." --Eph.i.7.2.
Disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive.
Real forgiveness is more profound than the common definition. It is not forgetting a wrong, or setting pain aside, or allowing anyone to evade responsibility. Forgiveness is a creative act; it requires deep commitment.
Here is an extended reflection on the meaning and practice of forgiveness, from a key supporter
of the Hawai'i Forgiveness Project and long-time
resident of Kaneohe, O'ahu, Chuck Spezzano
to listen, just click the small "play" triangle below
this material
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