This term is defined as a gift given by an act of grace and kindness. It is understood, according to the origin of the word, and action to outrun and heal a wound caused as a result of an offense . In this sense, who forgives is the victim while the offender is forgiven. This last subject must show genuine repentance for his mistake. The objective of forgiveness is that those involved in the dispute seek their tranquility and inner peace, without possessing or dragging some type of burden.

In this sense, it is necessary to clarify the difference between forgiveness and apologies. While forgiveness is offered for an almost hopeless, complex and profound situation, apologies are justifiably given. This means that whoever makes the mistake has no excuses or bases to support him, for which he is forced to apologize. Sometimes these two terms are confused with each other, they even come to be seen as synonyms . However, some synonyms that do fit into the concept of forgiveness are: remission, absolution and amnesty.

On the other hand, those who ask for forgiveness and those who forgive are considered as individuals full of courage and humility. This act, from any position, is not easy to perform. It requires reflection and awareness to recognize when you’ve made a mistake also ask forgiveness means put aside pride . On the other hand, who forgives has enough goodness to accept and leave in the past, without thinking in charging or getting revenge for the situation. Some words and the most prominent to ask for forgiveness are: I’m sorry, forgive me or I ask for your forgiveness.

What are its elements or characteristics?

In order to forgive or ask for forgiveness, it is essential that some factors are met, which are the following:

• Objectivity: Asking or offering forgiveness must be based on real and concrete bases. Objectivity is required to analyze whether the situation has really hurt or hurt someone.
• Humility: It is a value that reinforces and bases forgiveness, without it, it would not be possible to recognize and accept what happened. Both those who want to be forgiven and those who forgive must put aside their ego and pride.
• Immediacy: It is necessary to acknowledge what happened and initiate a process of forgiveness. When speaking of immediacy it is in order to avoid storing and repressing the feeling generated by the offense. The faster the process starts, the faster those involved will feel free and at peace.
• Authenticity: The act of asking for forgiveness and forgiving must be genuine, charged with truth and not with hypocrisy or deception. When the process of forgiveness begins, it is necessary to talk from both parties about what happened, expose and express how the situation caused harm.
• Courage: When the moment comes to recognize the faults and insults committed, it is essential to arm yourself with courage and courage. It is not always easy to put pride aside, it takes guts to ask to be forgiven and kindness to forgive.

Types of forgiveness

It should also be taken into account that there are multiple types of forgiveness, among which are:

• Conditional forgiveness: This is granted under certain terms, who asks for forgiveness and who forgives put conditions to carry out the act. For example: “I forgive you only if …” or “I will ask your forgiveness only if …”
• Unconditional: In this case, the act of forgiving is presented without asking for something in return, without establishing conditions. This guy is the one who really takes the load off and brings calm.
• Self-forgiveness: This is characterized by offering inner peace, it consists of leaving mistakes in the past and letting go of that self-imposed burden. It is necessary to forget shame, because mistakes and failures are what make us human.
• Partial: It occurs when the person who forgives does not leave the offense behind, that is, in a diplomatic act he forgives his offender. For this reason, break any type of link with him, because the act of forgiving was not entirely genuine.
• Plenary: In the act of forgiving there is love , peace and relief. The individual who forgives and the one who asks for forgiveness, recognizes with simplicity what happened. In addition to this, they focus on working again for their friendship or relationship.
• Forgive others: It is said that you have to forgive to be forgiven. This type of act of forgiveness focuses on humility and kindness, on accepting the mistake of who has offended and without any rancor to forgive them.
• Divine forgiveness: It is the one provided by a divine entity, in the case of the Christian religion, it is the forgiveness granted in grace by God.

Examples of forgiveness

• Pedro forgave Juan for yelling at him and saying offensive words.
• Sebastián asked Sofía to forgive him for making her wait and not making it to her appointment on time.
• God granted forgiveness to his children through Jesus Christ.
• Elena forgave her friend for lying about taking her things without permission.
• Frank’s parents asked the babysitter to forgive them for making her stay longer than she owed.