Neither Justice Nor Forgetting: Defining Forgiveness

Which of these statements best expresses the definition of forgiveness provided in "Understanding Forgiveness"?

• Forgiveness is two people coming together in mutual respect.

• Forgiveness is when you make a decision to ignore your desire for revenge after someone has wronged you.

• Forgiveness is the acceptance of apologies and compensation from someone who has wronged you.

• Forgiveness is a change in attitude so that you no longer feel ill will toward someone who has wronged you.

According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what is the relationship between forgiveness and justice?

• You can forgive someone only when you feel that you have been given justice.

• Forgiving someone is proof that you have accepted justice in a situation.

• True justice can be achieved only after you have forgiven someone.

• You can pursue justice with or without forgiving someone.

Which choice best defines reconciliation?

• showing understanding

• acting entirely on your own

• coming together after a disagreement

• compensating others for a wrong you have done

PART A: According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what role does memory play in the act of forgiving?

• To forgive a wrong, you must consciously decide to forget about it.

• To forgive a wrong, you must vividly recall every single detail about it.

• To forgive a wrong, you must recall it without feeling angry or wanting to retaliate.

• To forgive a wrong, you must wait until your complete memory of it fades over time.

Which of these sentences from "Understanding Forgiveness" best supports the answer to Part A?

• Forgiveness is also a natural resolution of the grief process, which is the necessary acknowledgment of pain and loss.

• "Forgive and forget" seem to go together.

• Forgiveness has taken place when you can remember the wrong that was done without feeling resentment or a desire to pursue revenge.

• Forgiveness does not minimize, justify, or excuse the wrong that was done.