Forgiveness is a somewhat complicated task, both for the one who offers it and for the one who accepts it. In this process, it may be helpful to reflect on some forgiveness phrases spoken or written by thinkers and authors important.
1. Men who do not forgive women for their small defects will never enjoy their great virtues (Khalil Gibran)
Gibran, in a phrase of his time, invites us not to focus all our attention on those acts that produce disappointment, including bad decisions or the desire to hurt.
2. Only those truly courageous spirits know the way to forgive. A vile being never forgives because it is not in his nature (Laurence Sterne)
One of the phrases about forgiveness of a moral nature.
3. Always forgive your enemy. There is nothing that makes him more angry (Oscar Wilde)
An action that denotes superiority.
4. “I can forgive, but I cannot forget,” is just another way of saying, “I can’t, forgive.” (Henry Ward Beecher)
For Beecher, forgiveness consisted of completely forgetting the offense committed.
5. By forgiving too much to those who err, injustice is committed to those who do not err (Baldassare Castiglione)
You should avoid normalizing the act of asking for forgiveness since you can become a repeat offender and harm others.
6. Forgiveness is not taking too much into account the limitations and defects of the other, not taking them too seriously, but rather downplaying them, with good humor, saying: I know you’re not like that! (Robert Spaemann)
About forgiveness that nullifies the intention with which the offense was committed.
7. You forgive while you love (François de La Rochefoucauld)
Love makes us tolerant against certain offenses.
8. Forgiveness is only learned in life when we, in turn, have needed to be forgiven a lot (Jacinto Benavente)
9. Write grievances in the dust, write good words in marble (Benjamin Franklin)
About what should transcend our actions.
10. Let’s teach to forgive; but let us also teach not to offend. It would be more efficient (José Ingenieros)
This forgiveness phrase from Engineers wisely addresses this topic.
11. We easily forgive our friends for defects that do not affect us (François de La Rochefoucauld)
Seen from this reflection it is easy to forgive.
12. A man grows when he kneels (Alessandro Manzoni)
The act of asking for forgiveness comes from a process where human beings recognize their mistakes and the damage they caused to others, assuming their responsibility to commit them again.
13. In the absence of forgiveness, let oblivion come (Alfred de Musset)
In some situations turning the page is an option.
14. It is easier to forgive an enemy than a friend (William Blake)
Since the difference between them is loyalty and trust
15. Winning and forgiving is winning twice (Pedro Calderón de la Barca)
And the act of forgiving is more powerful between the two.
16. The weak cannot forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong (Mahatma Gandhi)
…since it requires putting aside prejudices and unhealthy pride.
17. What I hate most is when they ask for forgiveness before stepping on me (Woody Allen)
Probably for the actor it is an inconsiderate attitude.
18. Never hesitate to reach out; never hesitate to accept the hand that another extends to you (John XXIII)
…since it represents an act of humility and benevolence.
19. He who forgives easily invites offense (Pierre Corneille)
When forgiveness becomes superficial and automatic.
20. What some men find most difficult to forgive a woman for is that they console themselves for having been mocked by them (Paul Charles Bourget)
In this phrase of forgiveness, the writing is a reflection of the sexist society of the time.
21. Always forgive others, never yourself (Publio Siro)
Since your mistakes are part of your growth.
22. Granting forgiveness is the highest degree of vanity or fear (José Luis Coll)
This phrase comes from the perspective of the actor in relation to the attitude that accompanies the act of accepting forgiveness.
23. The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which forgiveness is always found (Honore de Balzac)
About maternal love who incurs accepting his children’s apologies.
24. If an apology is followed by an excuse or a reason, it means that they will make the same mistake again for which they have apologized (Amit Kalantri)
If the action is still justified, the act of apologizing is not honest.
25. We never forgive only those we are interested in forgiving (Jules Renard)
Who represent a significant presence in our lives and in the face of error.
26. Forget and forgive. It’s not difficult if you understand. It means forgiving inconveniences, and forgiving yourself for forgetting. With a lot of practice and determination, it will become easier (Mark Twain)
Advice from this long-winded writer who addresses forgiveness considering respect for ourselves.
27. When you say the word ‘I’m sorry’, make sure you understand that an apology has 3 parts. “I’m sorry,” “It’s my fault and I won’t do it again,” and “How can I make things better?” The last part is the most important (Manasa Rao Saarloos)
This phrase of forgiveness contains a lot of wisdom since it deals with the intention of how to solve the effect of our bad action.
28. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ is saying ‘I love you’ with a wounded heart in one hand and your stifled pride in the other (Richelle E. Goodrich)
This writer manages to describe the act of asking for forgiveness by placing emphasis on the process.
29. When you forgive, you free your soul. But when you say “I’m sorry!”, you free two souls (Donald L. Hicks)
It is important that the other person knows how you really feel, not only because it is important to recognize the fault, but also to promote reconciliation.
30. Forgiveness is not always easy. Sometimes forgiving the person who caused it feels more painful than the hurt that was suffered. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness (Marianne Williamson)
Forgiveness as the only way to peace and tranquility.
31. Apologizing doesn’t always mean you’re wrong. It just means you value your relationship more than your ego (Mark Matthews)
Many times apologies do not have an honest cause.
32. Admitting a mistake is not a weakness; On the contrary, it shows an opening of your heart. It takes guts to say sorry. Only a strong and balanced individual with clarity of mind can do it effortlessly. Taking responsibility for your actions requires and develops your self-control. You become your own person (Vishwas Chavan)
When apologizing is a reflection of a great personality.
33. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ won’t fix what’s broken. You can’t reverse time or undo the damage or change anything that happened. But a sincere and humble apology can serve to soften the sting and sometimes does a good job of repair. (Richelle E. Goodrich)
Not only does asking for forgiveness count, but also repair the relationship that has been affected with the other.
34. Apologizing is different from begging, it doesn’t change your status, so go ahead and get on your knees, shed tears if you have them for the person you offended, if you have a place in their hearts, you will be totally forgiven and accepted (Michael Bassey Johnso)
This phrase of forgiveness invites us to assume our mistakes with humility and offer forgiveness when necessary.
35. A truly humble apology serves to part the storm clouds, calm the rough seas and attract the gentle lights of dawn; has the power to change a person’s world (Richelle E. Goodrich)
About the power of forgiveness and how to promote peace.
36. Sometimes an apology frees a part of you that you didn’t even know was caged… and forgiveness destroys that cage (Sanjo Jendayi)
A nice analogy to get closer to the power that this feeling produces.
37. Never ruin an apology with an excuse (Benjamin Franklin)
This phrase tells us that we should not justify our wrong actions.
38. Apologies are not meant to change the past, they are meant to change the future (Kevin Hancock)
And ensure an adequate relationship with the other.
39. Never put off repairing a relationship you value. If you need to say ‘I’m sorry’, say it now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us (Toni Sorenson)
It is one of the expressions of respect and gratitude to preserve important relationships.
40. Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it (Mark Twain)
Beautiful phrase of forgiveness from Twain, in which it is clear that accepting apologies also frees us.
41. An apology is the glue of life! It can repair almost anything! (Lynn Johnston)
As long as it comes from deep and honest reflection.
42. Apologize! It is the least you can do to try to correct something that you have harmed (Samhita Baruah)
When it is an unavoidable responsibility.
43. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling, because when we forgive we no longer feel the offense, we no longer feel resentment. Forgive, for by forgiving you will have peace in your soul and so will the one who offended you (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
A perspective that considers the point of view of the person who offended the other.
44. In any relationship, the frequent use of two words is very important. They can change the course of destiny. These words are: Thank you and I’m sorry (Girdhar Joshi)
Powerful words that we must use frequently.
45. The truth is, unless you let it go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move on (Steve Maraboli )
Forgiving is letting go.
46. An apology is not about saying you are sorry, but about the meaning you put behind the apology and admitting that you are the wrong party (Unarine Ramaru)
This phrase of forgiveness makes us reflect on the process that forgiving entails.
47. When the wound is deep. The action to rectify it must come from the heart, because the word ‘forgiveness’ is not enough to sew up such a deep cut (Trishna Damodar)
An attitude of change can restore the trust of others.
48. An apology can be a wonderful thing as long as it is infrequent and comes from the heart. However, beware of people who justify bad behavior with excuses. For them it is a means to an end (Gary Hopkins)
About superficial apologies.
49. A life lived without forgiveness is a prison (William Arthur Ward)
A prison of guilt and fear.
50. That’s life. Sometimes we don’t even want to know how much pain we cause others, for fear of spoiling our small pleasures. And when the time comes to face the consequences, it is too late to feel sorry (Menelaos Stephanides)
Sometimes the loser arrives late and is no longer necessary.
51. Apologies require taking full responsibility. There are no half-truths, no partial admissions, no rationalizations, no finger-pointing or justifications in any apology (Cathy Burnham)
The reflection must be total and honest.
52. Forgiveness should be immediate, regardless of whether a person asks for it or not. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Trust requires a track record (Rick Warren)
We must be patient and wait until the person we offended can accept our apology.
53. I’m not very good at saying I’m sorry, but I apologize (Chris Kurtz)
You don’t need the right words, just say it from the heart.
54. We don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it (Bree Despain)
Because the affection towards them makes you empathize with your regret.
55. Be the hero of hearts; learn to say I’m sorry (Richelle E. Goodrich)
Rescue people from that unpleasant moment that your mistakes caused them.
56. A friendship broken and repaired through forgiveness can be even stronger than it was (Stephen Richards)
Since the act of forgiving strengthens both the one who forgives and the one who asks for forgiveness.
57. A sincere and warmly expressed apology can produce the same effects as morphine on a suffering soul (Richelle E. Goodrich)
When your words are a caress to the soul.
58. Nothing is as freeing as forgiving. Nothing renews as much as forgetting (Ray A. Davis)
About that sweet and refreshing feeling that resembles freedom.
59. The state of mind of one who is capable of forgiving is a magnetic power to attract good (Catalina Ponder)
People who are able to forgive inspire good things.
60. The problem with saying or feeling that you are sorry is that it often comes after the damage has already been done (Asma Naqi)
It is one of the things we always face and we don’t know how to solve it.
61. Forgiveness is the economy of the heart, forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits (Hannah More)
It protects us from negative emotional consequences.
62. An apology given only to appease one’s conscience is selfish and best left unsaid! (Evinda Lepins)
Forgiveness always has to come thinking about the other.
63. You think you couldn’t live with the pain. This pain is not experienced. Just hold on. I’m sorry (Erin Morgenstern)
And that pain dries our spirit.
64. Futility is regretting without doing anything to eliminate the cause (John Geddes)
One of those phrases about forgiveness in which A metaphor is established to express the idea in a very visual way.
65. Defeat anger, stop using it as a shield against the truth, and you will find the compassion you need to forgive the people you love (Glenn Beck)
Forgiveness is not only an act of repentance but also of love.
66. Yes, dear father. But has it never occurred to you that, by controlling your feelings, you destroy them? How many times can we say “I’m sorry” until we are no longer able to regret anything? (John le Carré)
When we become desensitized to all the times we have asked for forgiveness in a superficial way.
67. Who cares who is right or wrong when the last word is a polite apology? (Richelle E. Goodrich)
When the power of forgiveness has shown its effect.
68. Learning to forgive can be the most difficult of human acts, and the closest thing to divinity (Justin Cronin)
Being able to be at peace with another person is a quality that is very divine.
69. It’s amazing how many wounds can be healed with these two words: I’m sorry (Matshona Dhliwayo)
And we should reflect more on it to release it.
70. Never believe that you are so good or important, so right or proud, that you cannot kneel at the feet of someone you hurt and offer a sincere and humble apology (Richelle E. Goodrich)
About the extinction of pride that does not allow you to free yourself and show your best side.
71. To err is human; Forgive, divine (Alexander Pope)
One of the most accurate summaries we have about forgiveness.
72. Pride and ego make fun of an apology. Humility accepts forgiveness without question… So decide for yourself! (TF Hodge)
Forgiving is typical of intelligent and humble people.
73. Making mistakes is everyone’s defect; apologize, a virtue of few
Few people are able to apologize when they make a mistake.
74. Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge (Isaac Friedmann)
Sometimes, forgiving is the best way to forget and overcome conflicts we may have with someone.
75. Stupid people do not forgive or forget; the naive forgive and forget; The wise forgives, but he does not forget. (Thomas Szasz)
Forgiveness requires great intelligence on the part of the person who offers it.
76. I have made terrible mistakes that have hurt the people I care about most, and I am very sorry. I am deeply ashamed of my terrible judgment and actions (Anthony Weiner)
A philosophy of life that we can apply to our daily lives.
77. Love sees forgiveness as a strength, and works to eliminate resentment
Forgiveness is the gear that will make any love relationship work perfectly.
78. Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths (Lois Wyse)
A phrase that helps us reflect on some of the discrimination that women suffer.
79. A hero is someone we can admire without apology (Kitty Kelley)
People who idolize their heroes do so without showing a hint of concern or shame.
80. If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. It is much easier to apologize than to get permission (Grace Hopper)
A philosophy that we can apply in our daily lives.
81. Whoever steals from a thief has a hundred years of forgiveness (Spanish saying)
A phrase that many people can agree with.
82. Never forget the nine most important words of any couple: I love you. You are beautiful. Please Forgive Me (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)
A humorous quote that can be the key to a successful marriage or relationship.
83. A sincere apology is the super glue of life. You can repair almost anything (Lynn Johnston)
A truly original and graphic way of conceiving forgiveness.
84. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it expands the future (Paul Boese)
By asking for forgiveness when we make mistakes, we will have a much more favorable future.
85. A person’s ability to forgive has always been the most notable of human characteristics (Leon Uris)
Both offering forgiveness and accepting it are one of the main bases of civility in human relationships.
86. Accept everything about yourself, I mean everything, it is you and that is the beginning and the end, no apologies, no regrets (Henry Kissinger)
We should not apologize for being who we are, it is the key to happiness.
87. Things that are done between two people are remembered. If they stay together, it is not because they forget each other; It’s because they forgive each other (Demi Moore)
Forgiveness is one of the keys to having a healthy and happy relationship with another person.
88. The only correct actions are those that do not require explanation or apology (Red Auerbach)
A perfect summary of good actions on which we can reflect profusely.
89. For people without forgiveness in their hearts, life is worse punishment than death. (Karate Kid)
Forgiveness helps us to be better people and happier in life.
90. Forgiveness is being able to go to the past and return unharmed (Ciruelle)
A truly beautiful metaphor about the healing power of forgiveness.
91. More people should apologize, and more people should accept these apologies when they are sincere (Greg LeMond)
92. Love in the real world means saying you’re sorry 10 times a day (Kathie Lee Gifford)
93. Apologizing doesn’t always mean that you are wrong and the other person is right. It simply means that you value your relationship more than your ego.
A truly intelligent strategy that we can put into practice during our daily lives.
94. There is nothing wrong with apologizing, but saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t help if you continue making the same mistakes.
Forgiveness must be sincere and accompanied by a real behavioral change on the part of the person.
95. Forgiving is not forgetting. But it helps to let go of the pain (Kathy Hedberg)
Those who forgive end up feeling better about themselves.
96. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, I hurt people. But when I say I’m sorry, I mean it.
A true apology on time will help us fix any problem.
97. An apology is a lovely perfume; can transform the clumsiest moment into a grace-filled gift (Margaret Lee Runbeck)
A truly poetic image about apology and forgiveness.
98. “I’m sorry” doesn’t prove anything unless you mean it.
Forgiveness should always be sincere and from the heart.
99. Sorry, if I were right I would agree with you (Robin Williams)
A humorous way of saying that the other is wrong.
100. The benefit of forgiveness is greater for the one who has been hurt
Forgiveness has an unquestionable healing and healing capacity.
