In Reply to: LOL! I agree re: maria and peter posted by jo on September 05, 2003 at 22:03:42:
it may come down to definition. the website of "the forgiveness institute" has some helpful definitions, and distinctions, as to what it is, and is NOT. www.forgiveness-institute.org.
as the research, and the bible show, forgiveness (in human relations) is of primary benefit to the forgiver, not the forgiven. and its benefit is experienced regardless of the response of the offending party.
Jesus seems to teach, and research confirms, some amazing benefits attached to the hard work in process of forgiveness.