3. The most important single concept in Christianity is that of forgiveness. ~ David Benner, Psychiatrist

4. The only remedy for the inevitability of our history is forgiveness. ~ Hannah Arendt, Jewish Philosopher

5. Humanity is never so beautiful as when forgiving another. ~ Jean Paul Richter

6. Forgiveness lays the basic foundation for any continuing relationship. ~ Dr. Chuck Lynch, Theologian

7. Forgiveness is a door to peace and happiness. It is a small, narrow door, and cannot be entered without stooping. ~ Johann Christioph Arnold

8. Forgiveness is a beautiful word, until you have something to forgive.” ~ C. S. Lewis, Philosopher

9. True forgiveness is the hardest thing in the universe. ~ David Augsburger, Psychologist

10. Forgiveness is God’s invention for coming to terms with a world in which, despite their best intentions, people are unfair to each other and hurt each other deeply. ~ Lewis B. Smedes, Psychologist

11. Without forgiveness, there is no future. ~ Bishop Desmond Tutu

12. Forgiveness is not so much a word spoken, an action performed, or a feeling felt as it is an embodied way of life. ~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

13. The rule of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth cannot sustain itself forever; ultimately both parties end up blind and toothless. ~ Gandhi

14. People are mistaken if they think of Christian forgiveness primarily as absolution from guilt; the purpose of forgiveness is the restoration of communion, the reconciliation of brokenness. Neither should forgiveness be confined to a word to be spoken, a feeling to be felt, or an isolated action to be done; rather, it involves a way of life to be lived in fidelity to God’s Kingdom. ~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

15. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32 (TNIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32 (TNIV)

16. The deepest truth about ourselves is that we are created for communion with God, with one another, and with the whole Creation. ~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian The deepest truth about ourselves is that we are created for communion with God, with one another, and with the whole Creation. ~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

17. Relationship is… The meaning of life. The DNA of the universe. The only thing that lasts. Relationship is… The meaning of life. The DNA of the universe. The only thing that lasts.

18. We all stumble in many ways. ~ James 3:2 (TNIV) We all stumble in many ways. ~ James 3:2 (TNIV)

19. Forgiveness lays the basic foundation for any continuing relationship. ~ Dr. Chuck Lynch, Theologian Forgiveness lays the basic foundation for any continuing relationship. ~ Dr. Chuck Lynch, Theologian

20. The purpose of forgiveness is not simply to heal the guilt of the sinner but the purpose of all love: to come into community. ~ Jon Sobrino The purpose of forgiveness is not simply to heal the guilt of the sinner but the purpose of all love: to come into community. ~ Jon Sobrino

21. FORGIVENESS: The choice to set aside the debt of someone’s wrongdoing against you; the cancellation of a relational debt. FORGIVENESS: The choice to set aside the debt of someone’s wrongdoing against you; the cancellation of a relational debt.

22. Hebrew Words Nasah = to carry away Salach = to pardon Kaphar = to atone for; to cover over Hebrew Words Nasah = to carry away Salach = to pardon Kaphar = to atone for; to cover over

23. Greek Words Aphiemi = to send away Charizomai = to give grace; to pardon Hilasterion = atonement; covering Greek Words Aphiemi = to send away Charizomai = to give grace; to pardon Hilasterion = atonement; covering

24. The Return Of The Prodigal Son

25. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. ~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. ~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

26. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. ~ Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. ~ Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)