The Definition of “Forgiveness”
Question
Hello, I would be glad to know before Yom Kippur: What is the definition of forgiveness between one person and another? Is a person considered to have forgiven even if anger, pain, or a feeling of hurt still remains within him? I would appreciate an explanation on the topic. Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings
A person can forgive and still feel difficulty. In essence, he is saying, “I have no claim against you for what you did to me. And although I personally am experiencing difficulty, I do not blame you for it.”
Of course, a person who says only outwardly, under pressure, “I forgive,” is not forgiving at all. In effect, he is misleading the one who is asking for forgiveness, as if he forgives, when in truth there is no forgiveness here.
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