Before Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 he was an angry relatively young man. He founded the ANC's military wing. When he was released he surprised everyone because he was talking about reconciliation and forgiveness and not about revenge.

I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.

The first step in forgiveness is the willingness to forgive.

Because forgiveness is like this: a room can be dank because you have closed the windows you've closed the curtains. But the sun is shining outside and the air is fresh outside. In order to get that fresh air you have to get up and open the window and draw the curtains apart.

If only I wasn't an atheist I could get away with anything. You'd just ask for forgiveness and then you'd be forgiven. It sounds much better than having to live with guilt.

Without forgiveness life is governed by... an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.

Forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

For me forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?

Every year during their High Holy Days the Jewish community reminds us all of our need for repentance and forgiveness.

Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge.