Forgive Meaning
Forgive Definition & Usage
To stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense, mistake, or wrongdoings.
Examples
- "She struggled to forgive him for betraying her trust."
- "I will never forgive myself for not saying goodbye."
- "He forgave her for breaking the vase."
- "They finally forgave each other after the long argument."
- "Forgiveness isn't easy, but it brings peace to your heart."
To formally release someone from a penalty or punishment for an offense.
Examples
- "The judge decided to forgive his past crimes due to his good behavior."
- "The president has the power to forgive the debt of nations."
- "The tax authority may forgive a portion of unpaid taxes under special conditions."
- "The parole board decided to forgive the prisoner for his earlier offenses."
- "The company forgave the loan as part of a restructuring deal."
To absolve someone from sin or wrongdoing, often in a religious or spiritual sense.
Examples
- "The priest told him that God would forgive him if he truly repented."
- "In many religions, forgiveness is seen as a divine act."
- "She prayed to forgive her past mistakes and seek redemption."
- "Forgiveness from the Almighty is the ultimate form of healing."
- "The ritual allowed the community to forgive each other's sins and start anew."
Cultural Context
The concept of forgiveness has been central to human cultures and religious beliefs for centuries. From Christianity's 'forgive those who trespass against you' to Islamic teachings about the mercy of Allah, forgiveness is considered a moral and spiritual virtue. Cultures often associate forgiveness with peace, healing, and emotional freedom, while also recognizing its complexity.
The Power of Forgiveness
Story
The Power of Forgiveness
Anna had always believed in the power of forgiveness, but when her best friend, Sarah, betrayed her trust, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. The betrayal stung deeply—how could Sarah, someone Anna considered family, spread rumors about her? But despite the rage burning inside, Anna couldn't deny that part of her wanted to forgive. It wasn’t about excusing Sarah's actions, but about freeing herself from the burden of resentment. One evening, sitting at the local park, Anna met Sarah. The air was still, and the golden hour light made the whole world feel forgiving. Sarah, her voice trembling, apologized deeply, her eyes searching Anna’s face for any sign of forgiveness. Anna took a deep breath, remembering how long it had taken her to get here—to this moment of reconciliation. 'I don't want to carry this anger anymore,' Anna finally said, her voice soft but firm. 'I forgive you, Sarah.' And as those words left her lips, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. It was more than just a verbal acknowledgment—it was a decision to release herself from the chains of bitterness. In that moment, Anna realized that forgiving wasn’t just about Sarah; it was about her own peace of mind. The forgiveness wasn’t an erasure of the past, but a commitment to move forward without the heavy burden of past grievances weighing her down. Sarah, teary-eyed, promised to rebuild the trust they had lost. And though the road ahead was uncertain, Anna felt empowered, knowing that she had chosen healing over hatred.
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