top of page

10 forgiveness quotes with real-life examples

Writer's picture: Elena MarkinElena Markin

Forgiveness is a fundamental part of our personal and emotional growth. It is an act of letting go and reconciliation with others, as well as ourselves. It allows us to lighten the load of anger and resentment, leading to inner peace.


There are many things that can make us upset and angry: hurtful words, lies and deception, betrayal, breaking trust in friendship, harming others, inconsiderate behavior, neglect or abandonment, envy or jealousy, discrimination, financial issues, addictions, and many more.


I find a lot of wisdom and actionable steps towards forgiveness in the Hawaiian Ho'oponopono ritual. It involves techniques such as gratitude and mindfulness and repeating the mantra: I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you. You can read more about the Ho'oponopono ritual here.


In this blog post, I'll explore the profound wisdom of forgiveness through inspiring quotes, and examples of real-life situations that explain their meaning in a relatable way.


There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love

A picture of breaking a chain link and birds flying over the ocean sunset. Text on top reads There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.

Situation: A Long-Term Friendship

Sarah and Emma have been best friends since childhood. They've shared countless memories, supported each other through ups and downs, and had a strong bond.

One day, a significant argument arises between Sarah and Emma. Hurtful words are exchanged, and both friends feel deeply wounded. The argument leaves them estranged, and they stop communicating with each other for weeks.

During their time apart, Sarah and Emma reflect on the situation. They realize that their friendship is too valuable to lose over a disagreement. One day Emma sees the quote "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." and makes her think of Sarah. She shares it publicly on her Facebook profile.

Sarah sees Emma’s post and takes the first step toward reconciliation. She reaches out to Emma, expresses her regret for the hurtful words, and genuinely apologizes. Her actions demonstrate that forgiveness arises from the love and care she feels for their friendship.

Emma, touched by Sarah’s sincere apology, forgives her friend and expresses her own regret for the hurtful words spoken. Their forgiveness allows their love and friendship to rekindle proving that friendship love and forgiveness are intertwined.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes that love and forgiveness are essential elements of deep and meaningful relationships. Without forgiveness, the love they share would remain strained, and without love, the motivation to forgive and rebuild their friendship would be non-existent. This situation illustrates how forgiveness can strengthen and deepen the love between two friends.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself

A woman standing in the sunset on a field with her arms wide open. Text on top of the picture reads: Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.

Situation: Workplace Conflict

Alex and Taylor are colleagues who work closely on a project. Over time, misunderstandings and disagreements arise, leading to a strained working relationship. The tension escalates, and both Alex and Taylor start feeling the negative effects on their professional and emotional well-being.

Alex, realizing the toll the conflict is taking on their own mental and emotional health, decides to smooth things out with Taylor. She reflects on the resentment they've been holding onto and the impact it's having on their overall well-being. Eventually Alex starts understanding that forgiveness is a personal choice, Alex decides to let go of the resentment. Instead of harboring negative feelings towards Taylor, she decides to ask Taylor to meet up and chat over coffee. She has an open conversation about how she feels about the situation and finds out that Taylor has been feeling the same way, and while not ready to forgive, Taylor appreciates the conversation, acknowledging that holding onto anger only prolongs the pain.

As Alex forgives, a sense of liberation follows. The weight of resentment lifts, and she experiences a newfound sense of peace and freedom. The act of forgiveness becomes a gift that Alex gives to herself, relieving her from the emotional burden of holding onto grudges.

Surprisingly, the act of forgiveness doesn't just benefit Alex. Taylor senses the change in dynamics and responds positively. The improved working relationship contributes to a healthier and more collaborative work environment.

In this real-life scenario, the quote highlights the transformative power of forgiveness as a self-care practice. By choosing to forgive, Alex frees herself from the negative emotions associated with the conflict, experiencing a personal liberation that positively impacts her overall well-being.

If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive

A couple walking knee high in the ocean while sun is setting. Text on top says: If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.

Situation: A Troubled Marriage

Sarah and John have been married for several years. Over time, they've encountered their fair share of disagreements, arguments, and hurtful words. Their marriage has reached a point where they are on the brink of separation due to the accumulation of unresolved issues and resentments.

Both Sarah and John reach a critical point in their marriage where they realize they still deeply love each other and want to save their relationship. They recognize that their inability to forgive each other for past mistakes and grievances has been a major barrier to their love and happiness.

They make a joint commitment to learn how to forgive. This involves seeking couples' counseling to help them navigate their past conflicts, communicate effectively, and develop the skills to forgive and let go of grudges. Through therapy and their genuine efforts to forgive each other, Sarah and John begin to heal their marriage. They have open conversations, express their remorse for past hurts, and work together to rebuild trust. As forgiveness takes root in their relationship, they find that their love is rekindled, experience a deeper connection and a renewed sense of commitment to each other.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes the essential role of forgiveness in maintaining and revitalizing love in a troubled marriage. Sarah and John's journey to learn how to forgive becomes crucial for healing and rekindling the love they have for each other.

Forgiveness is the final form of love

A picture of hands releasing butterflies into the sun setting sky. Text on top says: Forgiveness is the final form of love.

Situation: A Strained Father-Son Relationship

Mark, a father in his late 50s, and his adult son, Daniel, have had a turbulent relationship for many years. Their disagreements, misunderstandings, and unresolved conflicts have caused them to be distant from each other both emotionally and physically. As years go by, Mark and Daniel independently reach a point in their lives where they realize the emptiness and pain caused by their strained relationship. They seek deeper connection and understanding but are unsure of how to bridge the gap.

One day they stumble upon each other at the store and have a casual chat. They both feel that they need to connect more, which is obvious by both of their reactions. Next, they meet up at a family birthday party, where they get a chance to talk, deciding to reconnect. As time goes by and they see each other more, they acknowledge their own mistakes and grudges, recognizing that true reconciliation requires letting go of past hurts and resentments. It doesn’t happen overnight, but open and honest conversations about their past conflicts, sharing their feelings and regrets becomes an important part of the reconnecting process. These conversations are challenging but necessary for understanding each other's perspectives.

Mark and Daniel reach a point where they start seeing forgiveness as an act of love, and in forgiving, they release the burden that has held their relationship back for years. Their bond deepens, and they begin to genuinely care for and support each other.

Mark and Daniel come to understand that the forgiveness they have shared is indeed the final form of love. It's a love that transcends their past conflicts, allowing them to embrace a more profound and authentic connection as father and son.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes that forgiveness can be the ultimate expression of love, especially in strained relationships.

Forgiveness is not about letting someone off the hook; it's about freeing yourself from the burden of an unresolved issue

Sandy beach with a wave coming up to writing in the sand that says Let It Go. Text on top reads: Forgiveness is not about someone off the hook. It's about freeing yourself from the burden of an unresolved issue.

Situation: Workplace Conflict

Emily and David are coworkers who have been at odds for several months. Their professional relationship has deteriorated due to disagreements, misunderstandings, and a lack of effective communication. The tension between them has created a hostile work environment, affecting their own well-being and that of their colleagues.

Emily and David both realize that the unresolved conflict between them is taking a toll on their mental and emotional health. They experience stress, frustration, and decreased job satisfaction.

One day, Emily picks up a conversation with David in the lunchroom. She is open and honest, acknowledging the disagreements and conflict and her desire to shift the perspective on forgiveness. David has similar feelings. They both realize that forgiving each other doesn't mean condoning or excusing the behaviors that led to the conflict. Instead, it's about finding a way to release the negative emotions and the burden they've been carrying.

They gradually start letting go of the resentment and anger they've been holding onto. They recognize that the unresolved issue has been weighing them down. They both experience a sense of freedom as they release the burden of the unresolved issue. They no longer feel trapped by the negative emotions, and their interactions at work become more productive and harmonious. Their improved relationship positively impacts the entire workplace. Their colleagues notice the change in dynamics and feel more comfortable in their work environment.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes that forgiveness is a means of freeing oneself from the emotional burden of unresolved conflicts. Emily and David discover that forgiving each other doesn't mean ignoring the issue but rather liberating themselves from the weight of the ongoing conflict, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive work environment.

Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against natural instinct to pay back evil with evil

Two wooden arrow signs pointing in opposite direction. One says good, one says evil. Text on top says: Forgiveness is above all a personal choice. A decision of the heart to go against natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.

Situation: Sibling Conflict

Sarah and Michael are adult siblings who have a strained relationship dating back to their childhood. Over the years, they've hurt each other with their words and actions, leading to a deep resentment between them. Their family gatherings are filled with tension and arguments. Their relationship has been marked by a cycle of hurt and retaliation. Whenever one does something hurtful, the other responds in kind, perpetuating the conflict.

One day, John - Sarah & Michael’s dad, says to Sarah that Michael had said something about forgiveness. He had expressed interest in possibly restoring the peace between him and Sarah. As time goes by, Sarah ponders upon what her dad had told her and starts considering forgiveness as well. Few months later, at a family function, she tests the waters with Michael. It takes them some time to build trust and to forgive each other. Engaging in open conversation and acknowledging their past mistakes, Sarah & Michael start experiencing a profound shift in their relationship. As they choose forgiveness over retaliation, Sarah and Michael’s relationship begins to heal. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, they respond with understanding and empathy. Overtime trust is rebuilt and they find a new bond as siblings who genuinely care for each other. Sarah and Michael discover that forgiveness, as a personal choice, has the power to transform their connection. They realize that it allows them to break free from their natural instinct to retaliate and, instead, choose love and reconciliation.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes that forgiveness is a personal choice that goes against our natural instinct to seek revenge or pay back harm with harm.

Forgiveness is not an excuse to repeat the harm

A woman with an open hand signaling stop. Text says: Forgiveness is not and excuse to repeat the harm.

Situation: A Friendship Tested by Trust Issues

Lisa and Sarah have been close friends for years, but their friendship has been strained recently due to an incident. Lisa shared a deeply personal secret with Sarah in confidence, but Sarah accidentally revealed it to others, causing Lisa significant emotional distress and embarrassment.

Lisa is hurt and upset by the breach of trust, and Sarah acknowledges her mistake in sharing the secret. Lisa confronts Sarah about the issue, and they discuss their feelings. During their conversation, Lisa brings up the quote "Forgiveness is not an excuse to repeat the harm." She explains that while she's open to forgiveness, she wants to ensure that the breach of trust is not repeated in the future.

Sarah genuinely apologizes to Lisa, expressing remorse for her actions. She acknowledges that forgiveness doesn't mean she should repeat the same mistake and assures Lisa of her commitment to rebuilding trust. Both friends agree to take specific steps to rebuild trust in their friendship. This includes Sarah being more mindful of confidential information and Lisa working on forgiving Sarah and letting go of the resentment. Over time, Sarah's behavior reflects her commitment to change. She consistently demonstrates her respect for Lisa's boundaries and the trust she has placed in her.

Through their efforts, Lisa and Sarah manage to repair their friendship. Lisa forgives Sarah for the past mistake, but both friends understand that forgiveness doesn't excuse harmful behavior.

In this real-life scenario, the quote highlights that forgiveness should not be seen as permission to repeat harmful actions

Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on

Women's hands making a heart on a blue sky background. Quote on top says: Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on.

Situation: Healing After a Painful Breakup

Sarah and John were in a romantic relationship for several years, but their relationship became increasingly strained due to constant arguments and differences. They decided to part ways, but the breakup was emotionally painful for both of them.

In the aftermath of the breakup, Sarah and John are both overwhelmed by grief and sadness. They find it challenging to cope with the pain and the memories of their past together. Over time, both Sarah and John realize that holding onto anger, resentment, and blame is preventing them from healing and moving forward with their lives. As life went on Sarah and John learned on their own that "Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on." Sarah and John both understood that forgiveness is not about excusing each other's mistakes or reconciling their relationship. Instead, it's a choice to prioritize their own well-being and self-love. They recognized that forgiving themselves and each other is essential for personal growth. As they chose to forgive, Sarah and John felt a weight lifting off their shoulders. They released the resentment and pain associated with the breakup, allowing them to focus on their own happiness and self-care.

With forgiveness comes a sense of liberation. Both Sarah and John began to move on with their lives, pursuing their individual goals, and finding joy in new experiences.

In this real-life scenario, the quote highlights that forgiveness is a form of self-love and self-care.

The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world

A young woman holding a crystal. The quote on top says: The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.

Situation: International Peace and Reconciliation

Two neighboring countries, Country A and Country B, have a long history of conflict and hostility. Decades of political disputes, territorial conflicts, and deep-seated animosities have caused immense suffering for both nations, as well as the broader international community.

The international community, along with leaders and citizens of both countries, recognizes the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict. Despite numerous attempts at peace negotiations, mistrust and bitterness persist. Influential leaders and peace activists from around the world, decided to join forces to promote forgiveness as a path to reconciliation.

High-level delegations from Country A and Country B, with the support of international mediators, come together for cross-national dialogue. They agree to engage in open, honest, and empathetic conversations about their shared history and grievances. During these dialogues, leaders from both nations offer sincere apologies for past actions and express their genuine willingness to forgive and move forward. This act of forgiveness begins to shift the dynamics. In addition to governmental efforts, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and grassroots movements within both countries initiate reconciliation programs. These programs foster cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and people-to-people connections aimed at promoting understanding and forgiveness.

Over time, as forgiveness takes root, trust begins to be restored between the two nations. Joint projects, economic partnerships, and cooperation on regional issues become possible as a result.

The reconciliation process in Country A and Country B serves as a beacon of hope for the entire world. Other nations take note of how forgiveness and reconciliation can lead to lasting peace and stability.

The international community recognizes that the forgiveness and reconciliation efforts of Country A and Country B have far-reaching implications. It becomes evident that forgiveness can play a pivotal role in resolving conflicts and healing divisions worldwide.

In this example, the quote highlights the significance of forgiveness not only in individual or community contexts but also on a global scale. The practice of forgiveness between nations contributes to the healing of the world by promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among countries that have long been in conflict.

Forgiveness isn't approving what happened. It's choosing to rise above it

Two open hands with divine light coming out of them. Quote on top says: Forgiveness sin;t approving what happened. It's choosing to rise above it.

Situation: Reconciliation in a Family Estrangement

Siblings Lisa and Mark had a falling out over a decade ago, resulting in a long and bitter estrangement. The source of the conflict was a dispute over their late parents' inheritance, which led to hurtful accusations and a complete breakdown in communication. Lisa and Mark had not spoken or seen each other for over ten years. The bitterness and resentment from the past dispute had kept them apart, causing a rift in their family.

As they both grew older, Lisa and Mark began to reflect on the estrangement and the pain it had caused not only to themselves but also to their extended family. They missed the connection they once had as siblings.

Lisa, in her search for guidance on reconciling with Mark, came across the quote "Forgiveness isn't approving what happened. It's choosing to rise above it." The quote resonated with her and inspired her to consider forgiveness as a means of reconnecting with her brother.

Lisa decided to take the first step, next chance she gets, which came a month later when Mark and Lisa were invited to their cousin’s wedding. Lisa finally got her chance to talk to Mark, whose behavior seemed more friendly than before. It made her think that perhaps he was considering forgiveness too. She expressed her desire to reconcile, acknowledged her own role in the past dispute, and mentioned that forgiveness was about healing, not approval of past actions. Mark, touched by Lisa's sincerity, responded positively. He agreed to meet with her and talk about their past grievances after the wedding.

Lisa and Mark met a week after the wedding and their conversation was emotional but constructive. They both shared their perspectives, apologized for their hurtful actions, and chose to forgive each other for the pain they had caused. Forgiveness was the first step in rebuilding trust between Lisa and Mark. They committed to open and honest communication and sought to mend their relationship at a gradual pace.

As Lisa and Mark reconciled overtime, their extended family was overjoyed to see them reconnect. The family organized a reunion, and the siblings attended together, reuniting with relatives they hadn't seen in years.

The reconciliation of Lisa and Mark had a ripple effect on their entire family. It encouraged other family members to address long-standing conflicts and seek forgiveness as a means of healing and preserving their bonds.

In this real-life scenario, the quote emphasizes that forgiveness can be a catalyst for healing and reconciliation, even in cases of deep and long-standing estrangement.

Forgiveness liberates us from the heavy burden of anger, resentment, and pain, allowing our hearts to heal. It opens the door to growth, and the restoration of broken connections.

Is there a particular forgiveness quote that resonates with you on a deep level? We'd love to hear which one and why.


bottom of page