The 100 best forgiveness phrases

Forgiving is a somewhat complicated task, both for the one who offers them and for the one who accepts them. In this process, it may be helpful to reflect on some forgiveness phrases pronounced or written by thinkers and authors important.

• Related article: "Forgiveness: should I or should I not forgive the person who hurt me?"

Phrases of forgiveness to be at peace

In this publication you will find a selection of forgiveness phrases that will invite you to reflect on this reality of personal relationships.

1. Men who do not forgive women their small defects will never enjoy their great virtues (Khalil Gibran)

Gibran, in a phrase daughter 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 he is not in his nature (Laurence Sterne)

One of the phrases about forgiveness of a moral character.

3. Always forgive your enemy. There is nothing that infuriates him more (Oscar Wilde)

An action that denotes superiority.

4. "I can forgive, but I can't 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 the one who errs, injustice is done to the one who does not err (Baldassare Castiglione)

Avoid normalizing the fact of asking for forgiveness since it can become a repeat offender and harm others.

6. To forgive is not to take too much into account the limitations and defects of the other, not to take them too seriously, but to play down their importance, with good humor, saying: I know that you are not like that! (Robert Spaeman)

On forgiveness that annuls the intention with which the offense was committed.

7. One forgives while loving (François de La Rochefoucauld)

love makes us tolerant against certain offenses.

8. To forgive is only learned in life when in turn we have needed to be forgiven a lot (Jacinto Benavente)

When we relate that need to our experiences.

9. Write wrongs in the dust, write good words on 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 phrase of forgiveness from Engineers wisely addresses this issue.

11. We easily forgive our friends the defects in which nothing affects us (François de La Rochefoucauld)

Seen from this reflection it is easy to forgive.

12. Man grows when he kneels (Alessandro Manzoni)

The act of asking for forgiveness comes from a process where the human being recognizes his mistakes and the damage he caused to others, assuming responsibility for him to commit them again.

13. In the absence of forgiveness, let forgetfulness 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. To win and forgive is to win 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 setting aside prejudices and insane pride.

17. What I hate the most is when they apologize 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 offers you (John XXIII)

...since it represents accepting an act of humility and benevolence.

19. Whoever easily forgives invites offense (Pierre Corneille)

When forgiveness becomes superficial and automatic.

20. What certain men find it more difficult to forgive a woman is that they console themselves for having been deceived by them (Paul Charles Bourget)

In this phrase of forgiveness, the writing is a reflection of the macho 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 sentence is born from the perspective of the actor in relation to the attitude that accompanies the act of accepting forgiveness.

23. A mother's heart is a deep abyss at the bottom of which forgiveness is always found (Honore de Balzac)

About motherly love that he incurs to accept his children's apologies.

• Related article: "The 4 types of love: what different kinds of love are there?"

24. If an apology is followed by an excuse or a reason, it means that they are going to 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 more than 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. 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 'sorry', make sure you understand that there are 3 parts to an apology. “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 forgiveness phrase contains a lot of wisdom, since it deals with the intention of how to solve the effect of our bad action.

28. To say 'I'm sorry' is to say 'I love you' with a wounded heart in one hand and your smothered pride in the other (Richelle E. Goodrich)

This writer manages to describe the act of asking for forgiveness by emphasizing the process.

29. When you forgive, you free your soul. But when you say "I'm sorry!", you release two souls (Donald L. hicks)

It is important that the other person knows how you really feel, not only because it is important to acknowledge the fault, but also to promote reconciliation.

30. Forgiveness is not always easy. Sometimes forgiving the one 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 path to peace and tranquility.

• You may be interested in: "The 54 best phrases of 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 openness of your heart. It takes guts to say sorry. Only a strong and balanced individual with a clear 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 the reflection of a great personality.

33. Saying 'I'm sorry' won't fix what's broken. You can't reverse time or undo damage or change anything that happened. But a sincere and humble apology can soften the sting, and sometimes does a good job of mending (Richelle E. Goodrich)

Not only asking for forgiveness counts, 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 do. you have for the person you offended, if you have a place in his heart, 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 storm clouds, calm rough seas, and attract the soft lights of dawn; has the power to change one person's world (Richelle E. Goodrich)

On the power of forgiveness and how to promote peace.

36. Sometimes an apology releases 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 produces this feeling.

37. Never ruin an apology with an excuse - Benjamin Franklin

This sentence 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)

Twain's beautiful phrase of forgiveness, in which it is clear that accepting the apology also frees us.

• You may be interested in: "The 56 most famous Mark Twain phrases"

41. An apology is the glue of life! It can repair almost anything! (Lynn Johnston)

As long as it comes from a deep and honest reflection.

42. Apologize! It is the least you can do to try to correct something you have wronged (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, forgiving you will have your soul in peace and the one who offended you will have it (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 go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move on (Steve maraboli)

To forgive is to let go.

46. An apology is not about saying you're sorry, it's about the meaning you put behind the apology and admitting that you're the wrong party (Unarine Ramaru)

This phrase of forgiveness makes us reflect on the process that forgiveness 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 such a deep cut (Trishna Damodar)

An attitude of change can restore the confidence of the other.

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 shallow apologies.

49. A life lived without forgiveness is a prison (William Arthur Ward)

A prison of guilt and fear.

50. This is life. Sometimes we don't even want to know how much pain we cause others, for fear of spoiling our little 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 needed.

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 must 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 apologies.

53. I'm not very good at saying sorry, but I apologize (Chris Kurtz)

You don't need proper words, just say it with your 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 empathizes with his 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.

• Related article: "How to ask for forgiveness: 7 keys to overcome pride"

56. A broken friendship 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 in a suffering soul (Richelle E. Goodrich)

When your words are a caress to the soul.

58. Nothing releases as much as forgiving. Nothing renews as much as forgetting (Ray A. Davis)

About that sweet and refreshing sensation that resembles freedom.

59. The state of mind of the 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 sorry is that it often comes after the damage is done (Asthma Naqi)

It is one of the things that we always face and we do not 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 just to appease one's conscience is selfish and best left unsaid! (Evinda Lepins)

Forgiveness always has to come thinking of the other.

63. You think you couldn't live with the pain. Said pain is not lived. It just holds on. I'm sorry (Erin Morgenstern)

And that pain dries up our spirit.

64. Futility is lamenting without doing anything to remove 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 capable of regretting anything? (John le Carre)

When we become desensitized from all the times we have superficially asked for forgiveness.

67. Who cares who's 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 stay at peace with another person is a quality that has a lot of 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 think 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)

On 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 that we have on forgiveness.

72. Pride and ego mock an apology. Humility accepts forgiveness without question… So decide for yourself! (TF Hodge)

Forgiveness is typical of intelligent and humble people.

73. Making mistakes is everyone's fault; apologize, a virtue of few

Few people are capable of apologizing when they make a mistake.

74. Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge (Isaac Friedmann)

Sometimes forgiving is the best way to forget and overcome the conflicts we may have with someone.

75. The stupid do not forgive or forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive, but do not forget. (Thomas Szasz)

Forgiveness requires great intelligence on the part of the one who offers it.

76. I've made terrible mistakes that have hurt the people I care about the most, and I'm so sorry. I am deeply ashamed of my terrible judgment and my actions (Anthony Weiner)

A philosophy of life that we can apply to our day to day.

77. Love sees forgiveness as a force, 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 suffered by women.

79. A hero is someone we can unapologetically admire (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 day to day.

81. Whoever steals from a thief has a hundred years of forgiveness (Spanish proverb)

A phrase with which many people can agree.

82. Never forget the nine most important words for 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 fix almost anything (Lynn Johnston)

A truly original and graphic way of conceiving forgiveness.

84. Forgiveness does not change the past, but expands the future (Paul Boese)

Asking for forgiveness when we are wrong, we will have a much better future.

85. A person's ability to forgive has always been the most remarkable 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's you and that's 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. The things that are done between two people are remembered. If they stay together, it's 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 deeds on which we can reflect profusely.

89. For people without forgiveness in their hearts, life is a worse punishment than death. (Karate Kid)

Forgiveness helps us to be better people and happier in life.

90. To forgive is to be able to go to the past and return unharmed (Cirelle)

A truly beautiful metaphor for the healing power of forgiveness.

91. More people should apologize, and more people should accept these apologies when they are made sincerely (Greg LeMond)

92. Love in the real world means saying you're sorry 10 times a day (Kathie Lee Gifford)

93. Apologizing does not 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 day to day.

94. There's nothing wrong with apologizing, but saying "I'm sorry" doesn't help if you keep making the same mistakes

Forgiveness must be sincere and be accompanied by a real behavioral change on the part of the person.

95. Forgive is not forget. But it helps to let go of the pain (Kathy Hedberg)

Whoever forgives ends up feeling better about himself.

96. I'm not perfect, I make mistakes, I hurt people. But when I say sorry, I mean it.

A real apology in time will help us fix any problem.

97. An apology is a lovely perfume; can transform the most awkward moment into a graceful gift (Margaret Lee Runbeck)

A truly poetic image about apology and forgiveness.

98. A "sorry" doesn't prove anything unless you mean it

Forgiveness should always be sincere and from the heart.

99. Sorry, if you 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 often greater for the one who has been hurt

Forgiveness has an unquestionable healing and healing capacity.