Forgiveness

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14) Christian forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus. On the cross he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Forgiveness is not optional—it is a commandment and a condition for receiving divine forgiveness. The Lord's Prayer includes "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Christian forgiveness does not mean approving evil, but freeing oneself from the weight of resentment, following Christ's example. Source ✤

"Let them forgive and be forgiving. Would you not like Allah to forgive you?" (Quran 24:22) In Islam, forgiveness (al-'afw) is one of the greatest virtues. Allah is described as Al-Ghafur (The Most Forgiving) and Al-'Afuw (The Forgiving). Although justice is permitted, forgiveness is presented as the highest path: "The reward for one injury is like another, but whoever forgives and is reconciled, his reward is with Allah." (42:40) The Prophet Muhammad exemplified forgiveness by forgiving the people of Mecca after his conquest, despite years of persecution. Source ✤

"Forgiveness is virtue; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is the Vedas; forgiveness is Shruti." (Mahabharata) Hinduism sees forgiveness (kshama) as one of the essential virtues for spiritual progress. Forgiveness is closely connected to the law of karma—holding anger and resentment creates negative karma that traps the soul in the cycle of rebirth. By forgiving, these karmic chains are broken. The concept extends beyond interpersonal forgiveness to a cosmic understanding: recognizing that all beings act according to their nature (svabhava) and level of spiritual development (adhikara). Source ✤

"Holding on to anger is like holding a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone—you're the one who gets burned." (attributed to Buddha) Buddhism approaches forgiveness through the elimination of suffering. The Buddha taught that resentment (vera) perpetuates the cycle of suffering. True forgiveness comes naturally when one understands the three marks of existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha) and non-self (anatta). Metta (loving-kindness) meditation specifically includes directing compassion toward those who have harmed us, seeing them as beings trapped in the cycle of suffering. Source ✤

"He who seeks revenge must dig two graves." (Chinese proverb) In Confucianism, forgiveness is linked to ren (benevolence) and li (property). Confucius taught reciprocity (shu): "Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you." Holding a grudge disrupts social harmony. In Taoism, forgiveness flows naturally when one lives in harmony with the Tao. The Tao Te Ching teaches: "The wise man does not compete, therefore no one can compete with him." Source ✤

"Those who don't forgive carry the weight on their shoulders." (Yoruba Proverb) In the Yoruba tradition and its Brazilian expressions (Candomblé and Umbanda), forgiveness restores axé (vital energy) and harmonizes the community. Orixás like Oxalá teach peace, and Xangô judges fairly but also forgives. In Candomblé, ebós (offerings) can be made to clear negative energies from conflicts. In Umbanda, passes and spiritual work help to release sorrows. Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—does not allow resentment to destroy the community. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, forgiveness is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤

"Where there is forgiveness, there is God himself." (Guru Granth Sahib, page 1102) In Sikhism, forgiveness is considered a divine quality. Holding a grudge contradicts the central teaching of seeing God in all human beings. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches that to forgive is to participate in the nature of Waheguru (God). The practice of seva (selfless service) and langar (communal meal) reinforces equality for all and dissolves barriers that fuel resentment. Source ✤

"Forgiveness is the key to soul evolution—without it, we stagnate." (Spiritism) Spiritism teaches that resentment creates karmic ties between souls that may persist across multiple incarnations. Allan Kardec emphasized that forgiveness is essential for moral progress. Spiritual centers often include energy work focused on releasing resentments through healing passes. Source ✤

"You shall not take revenge nor bear a grudge against the children of your people." (Leviticus 19:18) Judaism has a sophisticated understanding of forgiveness (selicha/mechila), distinguishing between sins against God and sins against other people. For the latter, forgiveness must be sought directly from the offended person—nor can God forgive in their place. Teshuvah (repentance/return) is the process of acknowledging the error, confessing, making amends, and resolving not to repeat the offense. The Talmud teaches that one must ask for forgiveness three times; if refused after three sincere attempts, the moral burden is transferred. Source ✤

"O SON OF BEING! If a difference arise between you, pass from it and leave your enemy to God!" (Bahá'u'lláh, Hidden Words) The Bahá'í Faith sees forgiveness as essential for human unity. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, despite years of imprisonment and persecution, taught: "It is not for him who loves God to follow his own will but rather the Will of God." Forgiveness is not weakness, but the highest form of spiritual strength. Forgiveness in the Bahá'í Faith is connected to the principle of the oneness of humanity—harming another is harming oneself. Source ✤

"Think good thoughts, speak good words, do good deeds." (Zoroastrian maxim) In Zoroastrianism, to forgive is to choose Asha (truth/righteousness) over Druj (lie/chaos). Holding resentment feeds the forces of Angra Mainyu (destructive spirit). Forgiveness aligns one with Ahura Mazda and the cosmic purpose of good. The concept of renewal (Frashokereti) teaches that all negativity will eventually be transformed—to forgive is to participate in this cosmic transformation. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, forgiveness is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤

"May the gods forgive your faults." (Sumerian absolution formula) In ancient Mesopotamia, forgiveness was often sought through rituals and divine intermediation. Sumerian penitential poems expressed contrition and the desire to restore favor with the gods and the community. The concept of "me" (divine norms) included principles of restorative justice—balance should be restored when broken. Source ✤

"Maat é a ordem divina—justiça, verdade e harmonia cósmica." (Tradição egípcia) No Antigo Egito, Maat representava a ordem cósmica que deveria ser mantida. O perdão era parte de restaurar Maat quando ela era perturbada. Nos textos funerários, o coração do falecido era pesado contra a pena de Maat—um coração pesado de ressentimento falharia no teste. O perdão liberava tanto o vivo quanto preparava para a vida após a morte. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, forgiveness is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤