Before Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 he was an angry relatively young man. He founded the ANC's military wing. When he was released he surprised everyone because he was talking about reconciliation and forgiveness and not about revenge.

I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.

The first step in forgiveness is the willingness to forgive.

Because forgiveness is like this: a room can be dank because you have closed the windows you've closed the curtains. But the sun is shining outside and the air is fresh outside. In order to get that fresh air you have to get up and open the window and draw the curtains apart.

If only I wasn't an atheist I could get away with anything. You'd just ask for forgiveness and then you'd be forgiven. It sounds much better than having to live with guilt.

Without forgiveness life is governed by... an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.

Forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

For me forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?

Every year during their High Holy Days the Jewish community reminds us all of our need for repentance and forgiveness.

Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge.

The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness.

Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.

Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.

God pardons like a mother who kisses the offense into everlasting forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not a feeling - it's a decision we make because we want to do what's right before God. It's a quality decision that won't be easy and it may take time to get through the process depending on the severity of the offense.

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.

When I am able to resist the temptation to judge others I can see them as teachers of forgiveness in my life reminding me that I can only have peace of mind when I forgive rather than judge.

Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness those are life-altering lessons.

Forgiveness is God's command.

Reversing your treatment of the man you have wronged is better than asking his forgiveness.

Love is an act of endless forgiveness a tender look which becomes a habit.

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times it feels more painful than the wound we suffered to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet there is no peace without forgiveness.

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message that is love compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

I shall be an autocrat that's my trade and the good Lord will forgive me that's his.