1. The act of forgiveness. 2. The state of being forgiven. 3. The disposition of being willing to forgive. 4. The intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings. 4. A legal term for absolving or giving up all claims on account of debt, loan, obligation, or other claims. 5. Clemency offered by the victor to the vanquished in a struggle, fight or military engagement. 6. Often granted without any expectation of Restorative Justice, and without any response on the part of the offender. 7. If there is an ongoing relationship that both parties wish to continue and even strengthen, it may be necessary for the offender to offer some form of acknowledgment, an apology, make token amends, or even just ask for forgiveness, in order for the wronged person to forgive fully. 8. Most religions include teachings on the virtue of forgiveness of one another and the need to find some sort of divine forgiveness for their own shortcomings. 9. From a psychological viewpoint, letting go of resentment, bitterness, blame, retribution, vengeance, anger, and hostility towards people who are perceived to have harmed or perpetrated has a positive impact on all their relationships, their physical health, and overall wellbeing. it often takes a crisis or near death experience for people to let go, which can have a rejuvenating and anti-aging effect.
