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The Power of Forgiveness

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Published: Mar 25, 2024

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Related Essays on Forgiveness

Hall, J. H., & Fincham, F. D. (2005). Self-forgiveness: The Stepchild of Forgiveness Research. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 24(5), 621-637.Clinton, T., Hart, A., & Ohlschlager, G. (2005). Caring for People God’s [...]

Cosgrove, Lisa, and Mark Konstam. “Forgiveness: A New Paradigm for Healing and Growing.” Behavioral Medicine, vol. 34, no. 3, 2008, pp. 107-115.Mayo Clinic Staff. “Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness.” Mayo Clinic, [...]

Forgiveness is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored in various fields, including psychology, theology, and philosophy. It involves the conscious decision to let go of resentment or vengeance toward an [...]

Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal process that often involves confronting painful experiences and reconciling with those who have caused us harm. In the context of familial relationships, forgiving a parent can be [...]

Forgiving is not an easy task to do. On the contrary, when we feel someone has caused us a lot of harm, we usually think that person is not worthy of being forgiven. However, forgiveness does not only have to do with the other [...]

Braithwaite, J. (1990). Reintegrative shaming and restitution. In M. Tonry & N. Morris (Eds.), Crime and justice: An annual review of research, (Vol. 12, pp. 1-41). University of Chicago Press.Enright, R. D. (2015). Forgiveness [...]

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essay forgiveness is nobler than revenge

66 Forgiveness Essay: Examples, Titles, & Thesis Statement

A forgiveness essay is an exciting yet challenging task. In our article, you can find good forgiveness essay examples in literature, history, religion, and other spheres

📝 Writing a Forgiveness Theme Statement

🏆 best forgiveness essay examples, 🔍 simple forgiveness titles for essay, 💡 interesting forgiveness essay examples.

In your forgiveness essay, focus on different aspects of forgiveness. Some good forgiveness titles for the essay reveal themes of revenge, justice, and personal forgiveness. You can write an excellent reflective or argumentative essay on forgiveness – it is a versatile topic.

Regardless of your forgiveness essay’s specific topic and type, you should develop a strong thesis statement. Below we will provide recommendations on making a good forgiveness theme statement. This will help you come up with a solid base and arguments to prove your position.

Check these tips to make a powerful forgiveness thesis statemen:

  • Determine the primary idea. What are you trying to prove? Can anything be forgiven, or are there cases when it’s not possible? Introduce your one main idea and the angle from which you will look at it. You can also include some facts or opinions about the acuteness of the topic.
  • Work out your argumentation. It is crucial to have a firm structure in your forgiveness essay. You need to support the thesis statement with several arguments and evidence to demonstrate the consistency of your paper.
  • Think of the opposing views. Every argument has a counterargument. When working on your forgiveness theme statement, always keep an opposite thesis statement in mind. Having considered counter positions, you gain additional arguments for your position.
  • Don’t quote others in your thesis statement. A thesis statement is the first and foremost chance to introduce your point of view. Use your own strongest words to reach a reader. This is where they get the first impression about the whole work.

We also have lots of other tips on developing A+ thesis statements. Check our free thesis statement generator to discover more information and get a perfect forgiveness theme statement.

  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation Critique Availability of literature; as stated in the literature though the area of forgiveness is new in the field of psychology, but there is enough literature to cover the study.
  • Hamlet and Forgiveness: A Personal Reflection Some of the most prominent themes in the story are the ideas of mutual forgiveness, people’s motivation to be proactive and take risks, and their willingness to forgive and ask for forgiveness.
  • Philosophy of Forgiveness I believe that if anyone had gone through all the pain and horror that Simon had, and was asked to forgive Karl, the instinct, and most humane reaction at that moment would be to strongly […]
  • Divine and Human Forgiveness in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” By Samuel Taylor Coleridge After killing the albatross who was suppose to provide them with wind, all the people in the ship died but he managed to survive because he had asked God to forgive him all the sins […]
  • Christ’s Atonement and the Concept of Forgiveness This study will connect the atonement of Jesus Christ and attitudes towards forgiveness through the revision of the current church, Love and God’s commandment to forgive.
  • Service Recovery and Customer Forgiveness Studies suggest that after apologizing to customers plus taking responsibility for the problem, getting to the root of the problem is very important to prevent such occurrences in the future. Getting to the root of […]
  • Racial Inequality Targeted Student Loan Forgiveness Programs The research into this topic seems highly significant as the reduction of racial inequality was one of the most debated topics in the U.S.for the last several decades.
  • Forgiveness in the Christian Texts and the World Today The apostle calls upon the church’s people to stop the punishment of the wrongdoer and forgive, comfort, and affirm their love for him. It instructs Muslims to follow God and forgive others instead of following […]
  • The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy After gathering the relevant data, the researchers compared the recovery of the participants to their controls to determine the effects of forgiveness therapy.
  • Self-Forgiveness: The Step Child of Forgiveness Research Other than the similarities and the differences, the two types of forgiveness relate to each other as self-forgiveness facilitates interpersonal forgiveness, this is through allowance of one to identify with one’s offender.
  • The Amish Philosophy of Forgiveness It is important to note that the immediate forgiveness of the enemy does not mean that the Amish will let the perpetrators of crime go free.
  • Review: “Interventions Studies on Forgiveness: A Meta-analysis” by Baskin T. and Enright R. In the church, members come to the pastor with a variety of social and psychological issues. The first step the pastor should undertake is to sympathise with the victims.
  • Self-Forgiveness as the Path to Learning to Forgive the Others The key issues that the given research responds to or, at least, attempts to solve, are the definition of self-forgiveness, the relation between self-forgiveness and interpersonal forgiveness, and the means to differentiate between self-forgiveness and […]
  • The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Depression, Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress for Women After Spousal Emotional Abuse Enright forgiveness model applied in the study proved effective since it systematically addressed the forgiveness process identified the negative attributes caused by the abuse, and prepared the women for positive responses.
  • Forgiveness & Reconciliation: The Differing Perspectives of Psychologists and Christian Theologians Based on the research design there is evidence of measures put in place to control against most of these biases which strengthens the study findings; this is the strength to the study.
  • Forgiveness in Simon Wiesenthal’s Work The Sunflower Taking into account the major themes of the book The Sunflower, one is to make a conclusion that such response to atrocities as forgiveness is considered to be the key aspect of humanity.
  • Forgiveness in Martin Luther’s Movement for Rights Blacks The bible teachings tell us that God exists in the holy trinity and the only way to forgive others is for us to be able to forgive our own transgressions.
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  • Exploring the Themes of Forgiveness and Reconciliation in The Tempest by William Shakespeare
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IvyPanda. (2024, February 24). 66 Forgiveness Essay: Examples, Titles, & Thesis Statement. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/forgiveness-essay-examples/

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Juliana Breines Ph.D.

Forgiveness

Which is more empowering, forgiveness or revenge, in some cases, the answer may be both..

Posted September 24, 2020 | Reviewed by Matt Huston

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When we’ve been harmed by someone’s actions, especially someone we trust and rely on, it can threaten our need for control, making us feel vulnerable and powerless. Research suggests that the way we respond when we feel hurt often reflects an attempt to regain that sense of power.

But what kinds of responses are most effective in that regard? Are we better off forgiving and forgetting, resolving to let go of anger and resentment? Or should we leverage those emotions to make sure the other person learns a lesson and doesn’t behave that way again?

One answer to this question, according to recent research , is that it depends on the nature of the offense, and specifically the nature of the offender’s intentions.

In an initial study, participants envisioned a scenario where one of their friends told an embarrassing story about them in a social setting. From there, they were randomly assigned to imagine that their friend either intended to hurt them or did not intend to hurt them, and then to imagine that they either forgave their friend, took revenge by embarrassing their friend in a similar way, or did nothing in response. A second study followed a similar format but asked about responses to real-life transgressions, such as betrayal from a romantic partner.

The results of both studies indicated that revenge—whether imagined in a hypothetical scenario or enacted in real life—was related to a greater sense of empowerment than doing nothing, but only when the other person had intended to be hurtful. By contrast, forgiveness was linked to empowerment regardless of the offender’s intent.

The researchers concluded that revenge might feel more empowering when it serves a constructive purpose, such as teaching someone a lesson or showing them that their behavior won’t be tolerated, and this may be more relevant for intentional harm. But they noted that in many cases it may be assertiveness and standing up for oneself that is more empowering than revenge per se.

The form that revenge takes likely also matters. In the first study, revenge took the form of publicly embarrassing your friend the same way they embarrassed you. But there may be ways to make someone feel the consequences of their actions that are more constructive than simply repeating the same offense. For example, the victim in this scenario might have chosen to take some distance from their friend, which could be empowering without also causing shame or regret.

The finding that forgiveness was empowering regardless of offender intent is consistent with research suggesting that forgiveness can have mental and physical health benefits . Forgiveness can involve regaining a sense of power and control by choosing to let go of the burden of resentment and reduce the emotional hold that someone’s actions have over you. In fact, it may be this empowering effect that explains some of its positive impacts on well-being, the researchers suggested.

But like revenge, the impact of forgiveness may depend on the offender’s intentions. In one study , participants anticipated feeling lower self-respect if they forgave a romantic partner who did not make amends for a betrayal of trust, compared to withholding forgiveness in such a situation. Another study found that marital forgiveness was related to a reduction in repeat offenses only to the extent that the offender scored high on the personality trait of agreeableness , which involves empathy and kindness. Less kind offenders may have viewed forgiveness as a sign of weakness that could be exploited (one analysis found that they were less afraid that their partners would get angry if they repeated the offense), while kinder partners may have seen forgiveness as a gesture of goodwill that should be respected.

Further complicating the picture, although forgiveness and revenge may seem like polar opposites, research suggests that they are sometimes positively correlated —that is, it’s possible for people to feel both desires at once or to engage in both behaviors. Someone may feel compassion for an offender but still want justice to be served, for example. In one group of studies, participants were more forgiving of offenders who received what they believed to be an appropriate and fair punishment , compared to those who were not punished. Rather than fueling anger, the fair punishment seemed to quell it.

Coping with transgressions, especially more serious ones, is not a simple process; even when forgiveness is the ultimate goal, the road to get there can be a long and bumpy one. In the midst of a hurtful experience, sometimes the most empowering thing we can do is to let ourselves feel what we’re feeling, without judgment—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and before jumping into action, give ourselves the space to consider what responses will best serve us and those we care about in the long term.

Strelan, P., Van Prooijen, J.W., & Gollwitzer, M. (2020). When transgressors intend to cause harm: The empowering effects of revenge and forgiveness on victim well-being. British Journal of Social Psychology, 59 (2), 447-469.

Juliana Breines Ph.D.

Juliana Breines, Ph.D. , is a social and health psychologist whose research examines how self-compassion relates to stress reactivity, behavior change, and body image.

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What really feels better, forgiveness or revenge new research has an answer.

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A new study underscores the power of forgiveness in restoring one’s humanity.

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology weighs the benefits of forgiveness against revenge in repairing one’s sense of self after a dehumanizing or victimizing experience.

“Past work has demonstrated that cold and unempathic treatment can make people feel like objects lacking fundamentally human attributes,” explains Karina Schumann, lead author of the research from the University of Pittsburgh. “With my collaborator Greg Walton, I theorized that forgiving one’s transgressor would enable victims to re-humanize themselves after a victimization experience.”

To test this theory, the researchers randomly divided research participants into two groups. One group imagined themselves in a neutral interaction with a colleague. The other group imagined being offended by a colleague, and then imagined either forgiving the colleague or taking revenge against them, depending on which scenario they received.

They found that participants who imagined taking revenge against the colleague remained in a dehumanized state (e.g., rating themselves as feeling less refined, emotional, and intelligent, and more superficial, cold, and animalistic) relative to those who imagined no offense occurring. On the other hand, participants who imagined forgiving the colleague felt just as human as those who imagined no offense occurring.

“This pattern of results suggests that forgiveness can fully rehumanize victims after their sense of humanness has been damaged by an offense,” says Schumann.

The research suggests that forgiveness is a transformative process that involves releasing negativity toward the transgressor and possibly increasing positivity and feelings of benevolence towards them. It is considered a moral response rooted in the virtues of mercy, unconditional love, and generosity. And, because of its prosocial nature, it is treated as morally superior to a strict adherence to justice.

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“People who forgave felt that they had acted in line with moral values, which in turn allowed them to feel rehumanized,” points out the author.

While victims who take revenge might feel rehumanized because they exert dominance and control over the transgressor or believe they are upholding justice, there are also reasons why revenge might not feel rehumanizing.

“People may experience revenge as uncivilized, destructive, or antisocial behavior that violates moral values,” says Schumann. “Given these competing possibilities for revenge, we hypothesized that revenge would be less rehumanizing than forgiveness. And we found support for this prediction across five studies.”

The research also highlights other benefits of forgiveness, such as:

  • Feeling a stronger sense of belonging to a human community
  • Indicating that their morality was more central to who they are
  • Experiencing a lower propensity toward self-harm

“The benefits we saw on these downstream outcomes suggests that rehumanizing the self through forgiveness can have meaningful impacts on how people treat themselves and others,” explains Schumann.

For people who have decided to forgive their transgressor but don’t know where to start, Schumann suggests reflecting on the following questions:

  • Do you feel you have an accurate understanding of the transgressor’s actions and what caused them to do what they did (if not, perhaps a conversation with them could be helpful)?
  • Are there ways in which you can relate to and empathize with the transgressor’s actions?
  • Have you been on the receiving end of compassion and forgiveness after hurting someone? How did that feel?
  • Is your relationship with this person worth investing in? If so, the value that relationship holds in your life might be something to focus on. If not, you might instead focus on how it might benefit you to release anger and resentment toward someone.

“If you choose to engage in this process, understand that forgiving does not mean excusing the transgressor or releasing the transgressor from being accountable for their behavior,” clarifies Schumann.

In the future, Schumann would like to see a stronger focus on understanding how people can move themselves toward forgiveness, particularly in circumstances when withholding forgiveness is to their own detriment.

“When designing these interventions, it’s really important that the victim feels a sense of choice in their decision to forgive, and that they empower victims to willingly engage in a process of forgiveness,” concludes Schumann.

A full interview with Karina Schumann discussing her new research on forgiveness can be found here: To forgive or not to forgive

Mark Travers

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Forgiveness is the Noblest Revenge

Forgiveness is the Noblest Revenge

“Forgiveness is the Noblest Revenge” embodies the profound strength found in letting go of resentment and choosing understanding over retaliation. It reflects the idea that the most powerful response to hurt or wrongdoing is not vengeance, but the act of pardoning and moving forward.

Choosing forgiveness doesn’t signify weakness; instead, it showcases immense courage and wisdom. It involves transcending the cycle of anger and pain, breaking free from the chains of bitterness. By forgiving, one gains a sense of liberation, reclaiming power over their emotions and actions.

Moreover, it disarms the cycle of negativity. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of retaliation and escalating conflict, forgiveness interrupts this pattern, fostering an environment conducive to healing and reconciliation. It doesn’t erase the past, but it allows one to evolve beyond it, preventing the weight of anger from poisoning the present.

Forgiveness reflects strength of character, empathy, and a commitment to personal growth. It’s a conscious choice to prioritize peace of mind over the desire for retribution. In forgiving, individuals rise above the hurt, displaying a higher form of resilience and maturity, turning pain into an opportunity for personal and spiritual elevation.

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Essay on Forgiveness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Forgiveness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Forgiveness

Understanding forgiveness.

Forgiveness is when we stop feeling anger towards someone who has done something wrong to us. It’s like letting go of a heavy burden.

The Power of Forgiveness

When we forgive, we feel lighter and happier. It helps us to move on and not dwell on past hurts.

Forgiveness and Relationships

Forgiveness strengthens our relationships. It helps us to understand and accept others, despite their mistakes.

Learning to Forgive

Forgiving is not easy, but it’s important. We can learn to forgive by understanding that everyone makes mistakes.

250 Words Essay on Forgiveness

Introduction.

Forgiveness, a virtue often preached yet seldom practiced, is the act of pardoning an offender. It is a complex psychological phenomenon that involves an intricate interplay between emotions, cognition, and actions.

The Significance of Forgiveness

The importance of forgiveness lies in its ability to release the negative emotions of anger, resentment, and the desire for retribution. This cathartic process promotes emotional well-being, reducing stress, and enhancing interpersonal relationships. It is a testament to human resilience and our capacity for empathy and compassion.

The Psychology of Forgiveness

From a psychological perspective, forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to relinquish feelings of resentment or vengeance. This process involves a cognitive shift, a change in one’s attitude towards the offender, and a willingness to let go of negative emotions. It does not necessarily mean forgetting the offense or reconciling with the offender, but rather, it is about finding inner peace and moving on.

Forgiveness as a Social Construct

Sociologically, forgiveness is a social construct that helps maintain social harmony. It promotes reconciliation and prevents the perpetuation of a cycle of revenge and hostility. In this sense, forgiveness is an essential component of social cohesion and stability.

In conclusion, forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and social harmony. It is a testament to human strength, resilience, and our capacity for empathy. The decision to forgive is a journey towards inner peace, one that requires courage, humility, and a profound understanding of the human condition.

500 Words Essay on Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a multifaceted concept, deeply embedded in human interactions and fundamental to the continuity of social relationships. It is a conscious decision to let go of resentment or vengeance towards an individual or group who has harmed us, regardless of whether they deserve our forgiveness.

The act of forgiveness is a psychological process that involves a change in emotion and attitude towards an offender. It is a voluntary and deliberate act that requires effort and emotional resilience. The process is often complex, involving feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal. However, it also opens the door to healing, peace, and the possibility of reconciliation.

Psychologists suggest that forgiveness can be a transformative process that promotes mental health, reduces anxiety, and enhances our well-being. It is a coping strategy that allows us to deal with interpersonal conflicts and emotional injuries. By forgiving, we free ourselves from the chains of bitterness, enabling us to move forward without the burden of past hurts.

The Philosophy of Forgiveness

Philosophically, forgiveness is seen as a virtue, an act of grace and compassion. It is a moral decision to absolve another of their wrongdoings, not out of obligation, but out of understanding and empathy. This perspective emphasizes the ethical dimension of forgiveness, viewing it as a moral duty or obligation.

Forgiveness in Practice

Practicing forgiveness requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and maturity. It begins with acknowledging the hurt and allowing oneself to feel the pain. The next step is to empathize with the offender, trying to understand their perspective. This is followed by making a conscious decision to forgive, which often involves a verbal or mental declaration of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a personal journey and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. It can be a slow and challenging process, but it also brings about personal growth and emotional liberation.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Student Essays

Essay on Forgiveness For Students

6 Powerful Essays on Forgiveness to Feel Better! [ 2024 ]

Forgiveness is the greatest human virtue. Forgiveness is nobler than revenge. It heals and provides relief. Here, we have tried to write an Essay on Forgiveness that covers; forgiveness is not the sign of weakness, it is nobler and divine and better than revenge.

Essay On Forgiveness | Forgiveness Essay For Children & Students

Forgiveness means to remove negative thoughts about people who have hurt us and forget their mistakes. It is a decision to release feelings of vengeance towards someone who has harmed us. It means to let go of the problem that someone has caused in our life and give that person a second chance.

Importance of Forgiveness

The term forgiveness has a strong connection with person’s physical and mental health. If a person does not have a strong heart to forgive others then he will stay in constant anger, depression and anxiety. This will also affect his health.

Essay on Forgiveness For Students

Forgiveness can help to repair damaged relationships. It brings peace of mind to forgiver. If we forgive others then it sets us free from stress and anger.

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If we do not forgive others and hold grudge against them that we will always have a bad feeling inside us. We will always feel hatred because of so much bitterness in our mind and heart. It is a fact that people who forgive others easily are much satisfied from inside than those who keep grudges against others.

Meaning of Forgiveness

Now a days, people prefer to stay apart from their relatives rather than forgiving them. In this fast world, everyone is so busy in work that they do not have time for each other.

If there is a misunderstanding between people then they prefer to cut communication with that person instead of forgiving him. Many people also consider it their defeat to admit that they have hurt other person.

It is important to remember that there is no loss in admitting and apologizing for your mistake. To be able to forgive others, we should first forgive our self.

It means that if a person is guilty about something then he should accept that mistake and move forward. If he cannot forgive himself for his mistakes then he will not be able to leave his past behind. He will always stay in constant regret and stress. Therefore, he should forgive himself first to free his heart from angry emotions.

All of us have some people in our life who we do not like for different reasons. We do not want to talk to them because they have hurt us through their actions.

Instead of ignoring them, we think of plans to get even and let them feel the same pain that they have caused us. It is not a right thing to do.

This is not what our religion teaches us to do. Anger is not something that we should hold in. We should understand that forgiving someone does not make a person weak.

It means that a person is strong and brave enough to forget the mistakes of others. Indeed, forgiving is not an easy task.

Understanding the situation in which other person has lied, understanding the whole situation and trusting the same person again are some of the hard aspects of this subject.

In order to forgive others, it is important to think about the whole situation with a calm mind. The best thing to do is think about what happened and try to understand that why other person would such thing, then it will get easier to decide why he should be forgiven.

As a human being, we should accept that it is in human nature to make mistakes. No one is perfect in this world. Therefore, we should forgive others with big heart instead of taking the issue to heart. If we forget mistakes of others and free our mind from all the negative thoughts then this world would become a happy place to live in peacefully.

10 Lines on Forgiveness:

  • Forgiveness is an important life skill that every child should learn. It allows them to let go of anger and resentment towards others, leading to a happier and more peaceful life.
  • Teaching children about forgiveness helps them understand the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. This can lead to stronger and healthier relationships with friends, family, and even strangers.
  • Children who learn how to forgive also tend to have higher levels of self-esteem as they are able to move past negative experiences and focus on positive ones.
  • Learning forgiveness at a young age can help prevent the development of grudges or unhealthy coping mechanisms later in life. It teaches them healthy ways to handle conflict and resolve issues.
  • Forgiving someone does not mean that you condone their actions or forget what happened. It simply means that you choose to let go of negative emotions and move forward.
  • As children grow, they will encounter situations where forgiveness is necessary. Teaching them this skill early on can better prepare them for dealing with challenges and conflicts in the future.
  • Forgiveness also promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability in children. When they learn to own up to their mistakes and apologize, it shows maturity and allows for growth.
  • By forgiving others, children learn the value of second chances and giving people the benefit of doubt. This helps foster a kinder and more understanding society.
  • Children who are taught forgiveness are less likely to engage in aggressive behavior or hold grudges, leading to a more peaceful and empathetic community.
  • As adults, it is our responsibility to model forgiveness for children. By practicing forgiveness in our own lives, we can show them the power of letting go and moving forward.

Short Essay on Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is an essential aspect of human life that enables individuals to move on from past hurts and grievances. It involves the act of letting go of negative emotions, resentments and bitterness towards someone who has wronged us.

The concept of forgiveness has been deeply ingrained in various cultures and religions across the world. In Christianity, forgiveness is seen as a virtue and a fundamental element of faith. The Bible teaches that we should forgive others just as God forgives us for our sins.

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The act of forgiveness requires immense strength and courage because it means releasing ourselves from the pain caused by someone else’s actions. It does not mean forgetting or excusing the wrongdoing, but rather choosing to move forward without holding onto grudges.

Forgiveness also plays a vital role in improving our mental and emotional well-being. When we forgive, we release ourselves from negative emotions such as anger, hatred and resentment that can damage our overall health. Studies have shown that individuals who practice forgiveness experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Moreover, forgiveness is not just about letting go of hurtful experiences but also about healing relationships. It can repair damaged relationships by promoting understanding, empathy and compassion between individuals. By forgiving others, we open the doors for reconciliation and build stronger bonds with others.

However, forgiving someone might not be easy at times. Sometimes the pain caused by others can feel too deep to let go of. But it is essential to remember that forgiveness is a process rather than an event. It takes time, effort and patience to come to terms with the hurt and choose to forgive.

In conclusion, forgiveness is a powerful tool that can bring tremendous benefits to our lives. It allows us to let go of negative emotions, promotes mental and emotional well-being, and strengthens relationships.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” So let us be strong enough to forgive and move forward towards a happier and more fulfilling life.

Essay on Forgiveness is the Best Revenge:

Forgiveness is often seen as a sign of weakness, a way of letting someone off the hook for their wrongdoings. However, more and more people are realizing that forgiveness can actually be a powerful tool for seeking revenge. In fact, forgiveness may just be the best form of revenge.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness has the power to heal wounds, both physically and emotionally. It allows us to let go of bitterness and resentment towards those who have hurt us. By forgiving others, we free ourselves from negative emotions that can consume us.

Moreover, forgiveness also has the ability to break cycles of violence and hatred. When we forgive someone instead of seeking revenge, we stop the cycle of hurt and retaliation. This can prevent further harm and promote peace.

The Strength of Forgiving

Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. It requires us to let go of our desire for revenge and instead choose empathy and understanding.

By forgiving, we also take back control over our own lives. When we hold onto anger and resentment towards others, we are giving them power over us. But by forgiving, we are taking that power back and choosing to move forward with our lives.

Forgiveness as Revenge

When someone wrongs us, our first instinct may be to seek revenge. We want to make them feel the same pain and suffering that they caused us. However, this desire for revenge often only leads to more pain and suffering.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, can be a form of revenge that brings about positive outcomes. By forgiving someone who has wronged us, we are showing them that they do not have power over our emotions. We are also breaking their expectation of retaliation and instead choosing forgiveness.

Moreover, by forgiving someone who has hurt us, we may inspire them to change their behavior. This is especially true in cases where the person who wronged us is someone close to us. When they see the impact of their actions and our ability to forgive, it may encourage them to make amends and work towards repairing the relationship.

In a world where seeking revenge is often glorified, forgiveness may seem like a weak and ineffective response. However, it takes great strength and courage to forgive someone who has hurt us. And in doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and promote peace.

So instead of seeking revenge, let us choose forgiveness as our form of revenge. Let us show compassion and empathy towards those who have wronged us, and in turn, inspire positive change. As the saying goes, “forgiveness is not something we do for others, it is something we do for ourselves.” So let us choose to forgive, not for their sake but for ours. So remember that forgiveness is not only powerful but also the best form of revenge.

Narrative Essay on Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is not an easy concept to grasp. It requires a lot of strength, courage and understanding. Yet, it has the power to transform our lives in ways we never thought possible.

In this essay, we will explore the topic of forgiveness from different perspectives and try to understand its importance in our personal growth and relationships.

To begin with, forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning the wrongs done to us. It’s about acknowledging that someone has hurt us and choosing to let go of the anger, resentment and bitterness towards them.

This doesn’t mean that we should minimize or ignore their actions, but rather find a way to move forward without holding onto negative emotions that can only harm us.

Moreover, forgiveness is not just for the other person, but it’s also for ourselves. When we hold onto grudges and refuse to forgive, we are only hurting ourselves in the long run. It takes a toll on our mental health, causing stress, anxiety and even physical ailments.

By forgiving, we release ourselves from this burden and free up space for positivity and growth. However, forgiveness is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process that requires effort and commitment.

We may think that by forgiving someone, we have let go of all negative feelings towards them, but sometimes those feelings resurface when triggered by certain events or memories. In such cases, it’s important to remind ourselves of why we chose to forgive in the first place and recommit to letting go. Like any other skill, forgiveness needs to be practiced and honed.

Furthermore, forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. In some cases, it may not even be possible or healthy to maintain a relationship with the person who hurt us. Forgiveness is about finding peace within ourselves and moving on from the pain, regardless of whether the relationship is repaired or not. It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize our own well-being in these situations.

In conclusion, forgiveness is a complex and multi-layered concept that holds immense power. It allows us to let go of negative emotions that hold us back and create space for growth, healing and positivity in our lives.

By understanding its true meaning and practicing it in our daily lives, we can experience the transformative effects of forgiveness and live more fulfilling and peaceful lives. So, let us strive to be forgiving towards others and most importantly, towards ourselves.

Personal Essay On Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is a powerful act that has the ability to heal our hearts, minds, and souls. It is not an easy task, but I have come to learn that it is necessary for our own well-being. Throughout my life, forgiveness has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

Growing up, forgiveness was not something that came naturally to me. I held grudges and refused to let go of past hurts. I believed that by holding onto these negative feelings, I was somehow gaining power over the person who had wronged me.

However, as time went on, I realized that this way of thinking was only causing me more pain and hindering my personal growth.

It wasn’t until I experienced a major betrayal from someone close to me that I truly understood the power of forgiveness. In that moment, I had two choices: hold onto my anger and resentment or choose to forgive and let go. After much reflection, I chose the latter.

Forgiveness did not come easily or quickly. It took time, effort, and a lot of self-reflection. But as I began to let go of my anger and bitterness towards this person, I could feel the weight being lifted off my shoulders. I no longer felt consumed by negative emotions and was able to move forward with my life.

Through this experience, I also learned that forgiveness is not about excusing or justifying someone’s actions.

It is about accepting what has happened and finding peace within ourselves. Forgiveness does not mean that we forget or condone the hurtful actions of others. Instead, it allows us to release our pain and move forward with a clean slate.

Since then, forgiveness has become a constant practice in my life. I have learned to forgive not only others but also myself. We are all human and make mistakes, and it is important to show ourselves compassion and understanding.

Forgiveness has taught me kindness, empathy, and the power of letting go. It has allowed me to heal from past hurts and move forward with a positive mindset. I believe that forgiveness is essential for personal growth and happiness.

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In conclusion, forgiveness is a difficult but necessary act that we must all learn to embrace. It brings peace, healing, and growth into our lives. I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me and will continue to practice forgiveness in all aspects of my life. As the saying goes, “forgiveness is not something we do for others, but something we do for ourselves.” So let us all choose to forgive and find peace within ourselves.

  • What is forgiveness in a short note? Forgiveness is the act of pardoning or letting go of resentment, anger, or the desire for revenge towards someone who has wronged you.
  • Why forgiveness is important in our life? Forgiveness is important because it promotes emotional healing, relieves stress, and fosters healthier relationships. It allows us to move forward and find inner peace.
  • How can I explain forgiveness? Forgiveness is the choice to release negative feelings and resentment towards someone who has hurt you. It involves understanding, empathy, and a willingness to move beyond the pain to restore peace and harmony.
  • What is forgiveness for class 4? Forgiveness for a fourth-grade class can be explained as a concept where we choose to let go of anger or hard feelings toward someone who has hurt us. It’s like giving them a second chance and moving on without seeking revenge or holding grudges. It’s a way to find peace and repair relationships.

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Essay on Forgiveness | Why it is Important in Our Life?

February 22, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

People generally return evil for evil but the noble and most effective kind of revenge is to return good for evil.

If the wrong doer is paid back in his own coin, the gulf between the two parties will widen more and a thirst for revenge will make both of them restless while if good is returned for evil the wrong doer will be filled with shame and remorse and his heart is likely to yearn for his enemy’s forgiveness.

But there are exceptions to this theory where some people cannot be moved by this noble gesture, because they do not understand the underlying nobility in it, and rather take it for weakness on the part of the opponent and become more aggressive in their efforts.

In spite of what can be discussed on the issue from various angles, it is true that forgiveness is nobler than revenge.  

History has been the witness to many such incidents where the act of forgiveness has worked wonders.

There have been many such noble men who taught people to chivalry that lies in the act of forgiveness and practiced it themselves too.  

Table of Contents

Example of forgiveness

Nelson mandela .

Former South African leader Nelson Mandela was sent to prison in 1963 on charges of trying to sabotage the nation’s government, which advocated a policy called apartheid that treated people of different races differently (Mandela advocated a democratic society in which all people would be treated equally).

Mandela spent the next twenty seven years in prison, but after he was released in 1990, he forgave the people who had imprisoned him.

Mandela later became South Africa’s president and delivered speeches internationally in which he urged people to forgive each other because forgiveness is God’s plan and therefore always the right thing to do.  

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi  was known as the father of the nation. He was the one who taught us to fight back but through a path of peace and not violence.

Revenge through forgiveness and not through violence. He said when someone slaps you in one cheek give your second cheek to him.

So that he is filled with remorse. He said never to reply violence with violence. Instead reply violence with love. This will teach the wrong doer a lesson. Gandhiji didn’t curse the person who had shot him.

Even at that moment when he was hit by bullet he didn’t utter a word of hatred. Instead he uttered “hey ram”. This shows the amount of kindness and forgiveness one has to bear in one’s heart.  

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was the epitome of forgiveness. Once there was an incident where Mother Teresa approached a wealthy shopkeeper near Kalighat area to ask for some money to help the leper that she found on the roads.

She held out her hands asking some help. The shopkeeper just spat on her hand and shooed her off.

She was asking help for others and not for herself; still she got treated in that way. She went away from there without uttering a word.

Later when she had established herself that same shopkeeper showed up and asked for forgiveness as at that time he didn’t know who she was. She forgave him immediately without a second thought.  

Jesus Christ

He is one of the biggest instance of forgivers that we ever came across. Jesus Christ not only preached forgiveness but also set an example for us to follow.

His story of forgiveness is famous worldwide. When he was taken on the cross, and being nailed to it even at that time he kept on praying for his wrong doers.

When he was left to starve he raised his head to the sky and said “father please forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

He forgave all of his wrong doers even though they were responsible for his tragic death. His kindness and forgiveness lead the wrong doers to rethink about their action and feel remorse.

It is at that time that they realized what a sin they have committed.  

These are a few examples of famous men and women who have created instances for centuries to follow.

What they have achieved at that age to hard to achieve but we can always try to better ourselves keeping them in mind and making them our ideal role models.  

But there has been some instance where a person didn’t understand the meaning of forgiveness and took it to be a sign of weakness of his opponent.

In that case he became more aggressive and more persistent in his efforts. And this ultimately leads to his downfall. Such people are shame on the society.

They lack the basic humanity. That is the reason why they fail to recognize an act of forgiveness.  

History has been witness of such people as well for example  – Adolf Hitler .

Adolf Hitler was the most hated person every in history. He was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent lives. People didn’t revolt against his power.

He took it for granted. He kept on living Jews as much as he could. There was no end to his torture. He kept on thinking the common people to be weak and kept on exercising his wrong deeds.

The more lives he slaughtered the more daring and sinful he became. But what was the result? Ultimately it leads to his downfall. He couldn’t survive.

One day or other you have to fall when you are overburdened by your wrong deeds. His major downfall was such that he had to shoot himself by his own hands.   

Such terrible are stories of people who have ignored the acts of forgiveness shown to them and have continued in their rampant brustalistic approaches with hatred and sin.  

Conclusion  

A true act of forgiveness has never excited violence or hatred in return. It has always returned love and remorse in the part of the wrong doer.

We can correct the wrongs and change the wrong doer for life by such a virtue.

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Many scholars argue that, along with Shakespeare's other late romances, is a play about reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in future generations to seal such reconciliation. However, while it is clear that the theme of forgiveness is at the heart of the drama, what is up for debate is to what extent the author realizes this forgiveness. An examination of the attitudes and actions of the major characters in the play, specifically Prospero, illustrates that there is little, if any, true forgiveness and reconciliation in .

We must first set a standard by which to judge the effectiveness of forgiveness in the play. Undoubtedly, the most important Christian lesson on the true nature of forgiveness can be found in Christ's : Prospero's conduct from the moment the play begins seems to contradict the basic tenets of Christian forgiveness. Fortune has brought his enemies within his grasp and Prospero seizes the opportunity for revenge. "Desire for vengeance has apparently lain dormant in Prospero through the years of banishment, and now, with the sudden advent of his foes, the great wrong of twelve years before is stirringly present again, arousing the passions and stimulating the will to action" (Davidson 225). While it is true that Prospero does not intend to harm anyone on the ship, and asks his servant sprite with all sincerity, "But are they, Ariel, safe?" (1.1.218), he does not hesitate to put the men through the agony of what they believe is a horrible disaster resulting in the death of Prince Ferdinand. Prospero insists that those who wronged him suffer for their crimes, before he offers them his forgiveness, even if it means innocent and noble men, like Gonzalo, suffer as well. Later in the drama Ariel tells Prospero that "The good old lord, Gonzalo/His tears run down his beard" (5.1.15-6), and it is Ariel's plea that convinces Prospero to end their misery: "if you now beheld them / Your affections would become tender" (5.1.19-20).

Some critics believe that, through Ariel's expression of genuine concern for the shipwrecked men, Prospero undergoes a transformation – that he comes to a "Christ-like" realization (Solomon 232). A close reading of the magician's response reveals that his newfound regard for the command "love thine enemies" comes after he has achieved his revenge: Prospero feels free to forgive those who sinned against him only after he has emerged triumphant and has seen the men, now mournful and "penitent", pay for their transgressions. Further evidence to support the claim that Prospero's quality of mercy is strained, and that a truly sincere reconciliation fails to develop, comes when Prospero finally confronts King Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio and announces that he is the right Duke of Milan.

Prospero hopes that his plan to shipwreck the King and his courtiers will result in both their ultimate acceptance of him as Duke and their deep apologies for wronging him. But King Alonso's initial reaction is not profound regret for setting Prospero out to sea in a rickety boat and stealing his title, but profound relief that someone on the island, be he real or no, has bid him a "hearty welcome" (5.1.89). Alonso does ask Prospero to pardon his wrongs, but the regret seems perfunctory and matter-of-fact, rather than genuine. It seems that Alonso's only true regret is that his betrayal of Prospero has resulted in the loss of his son, Ferdinand. Nevertheless, Alonso's brief and conciliatory "pardon me" is enough to please Prospero: "First, noble friend/Let me embrace thine age, whose honor cannot be measured or confined" (5.1.124-6). This exchange of pleasantries confirms Prospero's penchant for forgiveness and the reconciliation of the two men, but only in the most superficial sense. And does Prospero truly forgive those who "hate" him? His reaction to Antonio speaks volumes: Prospero goes through the motions of forgiveness, but his sincerity is lost to us. Moreover, there is clearly no reconciliation amongst Prospero, Sebastian, and Antonio. Prospero still considers Antonio a "most wicked sir" (5.1.130) and Antonio, focussed on slaying the island fiends, will not even acknowledge Prospero.

A thorough discussion of the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in the play must consider Prospero's treatment of Caliban. When Prospero came to the island he taught Caliban his language and mannerisms. At the beginning Caliban welcomed Prospero, delighting in the attention he would receive: "Thou strok'st me, and made much of me" (1.2.334). In return, Caliban showed Prospero "all the qualities o' th' isle" (1.2.339), as there was little else he could give his new master. But Caliban, in an expression of his natural instincts, tried to ravage Miranda. It is an atrocious deed, but, to Caliban, it is a basic biological urge, springing from no premeditation but his simple desire to procreate, and can be equated to the crimes of a child, which is itself an ironic juxtaposition. Caliban is "unlike the incontinent man, whose appetites subdue his will, and the malicious man, whose will is perverted to evil ends" (Kermode, xlii). Caliban is, in fact, "the bestial man [with] no sense of right and wrong, and therefore sees no difference between good and evil. His state is less guilty" (Kermode, xlii). While he should have taken measures to prevent such an occurrence from ever happening again, Prospero goes further to ensure that Caliban pay dearly for his actions. He threatens continually to "rack [him] with old cramps" (1.2.371), and confines him "in this hard rock" (1.2.345) away from the rest of the island. For Caliban Prospero has no mercy or forgiveness. Prospero brands him "a born devil, on whose name/Nurture can never stick" (4.1.188-9), and vows, "I will plague them all" (4.1.192).

It is also true that Caliban is guilty of planning the murder of Prospero after he finds a new master, Stephano, whom, he believes, will treat him better than Prospero. But, again, Caliban, in his primitive (and drunken) state cannot be held accountable. Even though Prospero understands that Caliban's bad behaviour is like that of a child, he does not offer mercy and forgiveness as freely and earnestly as one should. The best Prospero can do is couch a rather lackluster pardon inside a command: Shakespeare no doubt understood that ending the play with this sour meeting would leave the reader wanting, so he crafts the union of Miranda and Ferdinand as a vehicle by which the two fathers can further their reconciliation. It is fitting that the most innocent and virtuous of all the characters in the play, Gonzalo, should express the most hope for the future: With these words of hope invested in the new royal couple, Alonso and Prospero rejoice together as the play comes to a close. But, despite the traditional happy ending befitting a Shakespeare comedy, ultimately, we are left with the feeling that true forgiveness and reconciliation have not been realized.

________
Mabillard, Amanda. . . 15 Dec. 2010.
Davidson, Frank. In . Ed. D.J. Palmer. London: Macmillan & Co. Ltd., 1968.
Solomon, Andrew. . Ed. Richard C.Tobias and Paul G. Zolbrod. Athens: Ohio UP, 1974.
Shakespeare, William. . Ed. Frank Kermode. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1958. ________






















"It is Shakespeare's own nature which overflows into Prospero, and thus the magician represents not merely the noble-minded great man, but the genius, imaginatively delineated, not, as in Hamlet, psychologically analysed. Audibly and visibly does Prospero's genius manifest itself, visible and audible also the inward and outward opposition he combats." Georg Brandes.
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Forgiveness Is The Best Revenge (Essay Sample)

Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge.

The best strategy that often comes to our minds when offended or erred is either of “an eye for an eye” or “a tooth for a tooth.” People nowadays find it very hard to forgive but very easy to revenge. Erring to people around us in the present world that we live in is very common. Forgiveness is the compassionate act of not having the desire to punish those who offend us in one way or another. Forgiveness is the quality that separates human beings from animals and is essential in overcoming anger inflicted to us by others. Revenge, on the other hand, offers no solution to disputes; it breeds anger and resentment and leads to wars and separations. This paper is meant to discuss forgiveness as the best revenge.

The desire to get even with the person or people who have done us wrong and inflicting to them the same pain they inflicted on us is revenge. Feeling angry when offended is natural and allowed. Resorting to revenge in such occasions only reduces us to the same level as the offenders who in our views are indecent and inconsiderate. Moreover, the desire for revenge blights health and increases stress. The world is currently filled with wars, riots, violence kidnapping, and acts of terror among other vices that are based on revenge. If only forgiveness could be practiced, the world is very peaceful and safe. Revenge is surely not the solution to ending disputes, in fact, it multiplies them.

After revenging and inflicting the pain which was inflicted to one party by the other, the other party will strike back again, since violence only begets violence and cannot undo the harm done. This makes things worse and makes the dispute a repeating cycle whose solution will be found when one party surrenders or is terminated. There is thus no satisfaction earned from revenge.

Many people deem forgiveness very difficult and that it encourages the wrong doers to repeat their offenses over and over again. Forgiveness itself is subjective. Forgiveness is essential in freeing up when offended. It is critical for starting over again and ending endless attacks among disputing parties, since moving forward is impossible when clouded with the thoughts of past issues. It puts to proper use the energy that would have otherwise been consumed in healing wounds, holding grudges, counter attacking, and having resentments.

Forgiveness is the last resort that leads to resolution when there are no more options for ending agony and finding peace of mind. It is an attribute of the strong who can forget the undesirable actions committed against them and overcoming the feeling of revenge. It is neither a weak action nor an act of surrender. It is a virtue practiced by humble people with feelings of compassion in them. It is a difficult yet noble action in times of feeling offended when most people resort to revenge.

In conclusion, forgiveness is the sweetest revenge. It breeds resolutions and provides space for starting over and moving on. It is the best form of revenge than any counter attack ever applied because it makes the offenders suffer from a kind humiliation. It is an act of accepting the facts, forgetting about the past and channeling energy into starting over with a clean slate. Moreover, it puts into good use energy that would have otherwise been consumed by negative actions and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness should not only be preached but also practiced because to err is human and to forgive is divine.

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Forgiveness Essay Examples

Forgiveness - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

This essay analyses the various themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and second chances from John Milton’s poem ‘Paradise Lost’ and William Shakespeare’s play ‘King Lear’.

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  • A Literary Review of Alan Paton’s Story, Cry The Beloved Country with Focus on The Journey to Freedom
  • The Hard Path of Self Forgiveness
  • Mistakes, Word Sorry and Forgiveness
  • Learn How to Forgive and Ability to Forgiveness
  • The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness
  • Why Forgiveness is Vital in Our Society
  • Christian Values: Compassion, Forgiveness, Justice and Peace
  • The Hiding Place: Forgiveness for Our Enemies
  • The Secret of Forgiveness in Joseph Play
  • The Concept of Forgiveness in Different Religions
  • The Forgiveness of Amir Khan in “The Kite Runner”
  • Compassion & Forgiveness in Macbeth & The Kite Runner
  • Conflict and Forgiveness from The Religious Perspective
  • A Journey to Forgiveness Starts in Ourselves
  • Forgiveness and Its Role in a Person’s Life
  • The Theme of Forgiveness in “A Gift from My Grandparents” by Mark Sakamoto

Forgiveness in Paradise Lost

We can see that Book III of Paradise Lost is different from the other books. The book now focuses on God and his desire for the world he created. In the other books, it was seen that Satan wants to grow high above God and wants to be praised and worshiped by others as God. He tried to overthrow God and the best possible way is to destroy God’s new creation which he created in his image that is humans. As God is all-powerful and all-knowing he could see the plans that were taking place in hell. “ Hell and the Gulf between, and Satan there Coasting the wall of Heav’n on this side Night In the dun Air sublime, and ready now To stoop with wearied wings, and willing feet On the bare outside of this World, that seem’d Firm land imbosom’d without Firmament, (III. Lines 70-75)”.

Book III also talks about Milton’s personal thoughts about divine knowledge. “ Hail holy light, offspring of Heav’n first-born, Or of th’ Eternal Coeternal beam May I express thee unblam’d? since God is light, And never but in unapproached light Dwelt from Eternitie, dwelt then in thee, (III, Lines 1-5)”. Act IV starts with Edgar where he is seen thinking of the act Edmund has done to him. The act continues By Gloucester reporting the injustice done by Regan and Cornwall’s punishment. I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw. (Act IV, Scene 1, Line 18-19).

The poem is seen as a story taken from the scriptures. It is seen that God had only given one command to Adam and Eve and that is not to eat the fruit from Tree of knowledge of good and evil. It is also seen that God had given man the free will to choose as a way to test him. God also made sure that he communicated with them every day and that he gave them clear warnings. It is seen that Eve was tricked by Satan in the form of a serpent where she feels for it and ate the forbidden fruit. Adam loved Eve a lot and considered her as his soul mate and could hesitate what we gave him and ate the fruit. Both of them sinned and fall short in the eyes of God. “Watering the ground, and with our sighs the Air Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign Of sorrow unfeign’d, and humiliation meek. (X, Lines 1090-1092). It means that God is gracious to forgive our sins. In the story, it is seen that Satan, Adam, and Eve all feel into temptation and sinned. They are punished and also allowed to repent and seek forgiveness. God forgives those who truly repent. But Satan pride stops him from asking forgiveness and seeks to continue with his evil plans. On the other hand, Adam accepts his faults and ask God for forgiveness. This means that God would also forgive our sins. We are his children and the only way to seek it is to repent and say sorry.

Forgiveness in King Lear

In the play, King Lear has come to realize his mistake of trusting his daughter’s flattery and banishing the one who truly loved him. Later he seeks to ask forgiveness to his daughter Cordelia for not understanding her and for the sins he has done. “You must bear with me. Pray you now forget, and forgive; I am old and foolish. (Act IV, Scene 7, Line 83-84)”. This can be connected to our everyday life where we tend to misunderstand the person who truly loves us and stays with us to those who backbite us or tends to use us. We can see that from both these instances that forgiveness is granted for those who truly repent.

In the poem, the Son who is full of compassion and kindness asks God he would be giving mercy to humans without compromising on justice. God answers to deliver justice and mercy a sacrifice should be made and he decides to sacrifice his only begotten Son for the salvation of mankind. “The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set. And now without redemption all mankind Must have bin lost, adjudg’d to Death and Hell By doom severe, had not the Son of God, In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, His dearest mediation thus renewd (III, Line 221-226).” It means that those who believe in the Son would be redeemed from their sins. Those who do not have faith in the Son would be destined to Hell.

In King Lear, redemption refers to the change of heart that he experiences after having been forsaken by his daughters with whom he entrusted all that he had, leaving him out into the streets. “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow! You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout Till you have drench’d our steeples, drown’d the cocks! You sulph’rous and thought-executing fires, Vaunt-couriers of oak-cleaving thunderbolts, Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder, Strike flat the thick rotundity o’ th’ world! Crack nature’s moulds, all germains spill at once That makes ingrateful man! (Act III, Scene 2, Lines 1-9)”. Here the storm can be seen as a metaphor for the change of heart that he is experiencing. “The body’s delicate; this tempest in my mind (Act III, Scene 4, Line 13)”. King Lear believes that there is nothing that holds him to live and has lost all hopes. The scriptures teach us that when there is nothing, we have everything as material things fade away.

In the poem second chance means God forgiving our sins and transgression. It is said that God is a God of chances. He forgives us for our sins and we should forgive others. “Before him reverent, and both confess’d Humbly thir faults, and pardon beg’d, with tears Watering the ground, and with thir sighs the Air Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign Of sorrow unfeign’d, and humiliation meek (X, Line 1100-1105).”

Gloucester tries to commit suicide by jumping from the cliff but lands on the ground safely. This is regarded as a miracle by Gloucester as said by Edgar and that God doesn’t want him to die yet. Gloucester seeks forgiveness from God for committing suicide. “I do remember now. Henceforth I’ll bear Affliction till it do cry out itself “Enough, enough,” and die. That thing you speak of, I took it for a man; often ’twould say, “The fiend, the fiend!”—he led me to that place. (Act IV, Scene 6, Lines 76-80)”.

Forgiveness as a Gift from God

Forgiveness, redemption, and second chances are God’s gifts which he has given to his creation. To experience it we have to seek out accept and repent our sins in order to receive salvation to lead a life according to God’s will.

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