Quotes about Forgiveness

Betrayal cuts deep. Whether it comes from a spouse, trusted friend, a loved one, or a colleague, the sting of betrayal can shake us to the core, leaving behind a mixture of anger, sadness, and mistrust. In the aftermath, the idea of forgiveness can feel impossible—how can you forgive someone who broke your trust?

Forgiveness is not about excusing the betrayal or forgetting the hurt; it’s about reclaiming your peace and breaking free from the grip of resentment. The following quotes about forgiveness may help with perspective on the difficult but rewarding path of forgiveness after betrayal. Don't forget the love you have for yourself; forgiveness is a healing act of self-love.

• "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." – Bryant H. McGill​

• "Without forgiveness life is governed by... an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation." – Roberto Assagioli​

• "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." – Louis B. Smedes​

• "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." – Mahatma Gandhi​

• "Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future." – Louis B. Smedes​

• "As long as you don't forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy a rent-free space in your mind." – Isabelle Holland​

• "Forgiveness is actually the kindest gift you can give yourself. It’s not really about the other person at all, but about you and your own peace." – Unattributed​

• "When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free." – Katherine Ponder​

• "To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." – Robert Muller​

• "Understanding is the essence of love." – Thich Nhat Hanh​

  
  

• "Don't rush forgiveness. Just always remember that when you're ready to, forgiving others is the kindest favor you can do for yourself. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or saying what happened was ok, but it's letting go of the anger, resentment, fears, and grudges. Forgiveness really isn't about the other person; it's about being kind to yourself and freeing space within." - Unattributed

• "Life is an adventure in forgiveness." -Norman Cousins

• "If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive." - Mother Theresa

• "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." -The Lord's Prayer

• "Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea, until he has something to forgive." - C.S. Lewis

  
  

• "Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude." -Martin Luther King Jr.

• "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." -Tony Robbin

• "Life becomes easier when you learn to accept a apology you never got." - Robert Brault

• "To err is human; to forgive, divine." -Alexander Pope

• "Forgiveness is releasing all hope for a better past." -Buddy Wakefield

• "Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much." -Oscar Wilde