Forgiveness

It is my humble but strong opinion that the words "I forgive you" are the most powerful that can be spoken by a human person.  More powerful, even, than "I love you".

Forgiveness presupposes profound love, humility, and freedom.  It encompasses love entirely.  Giving up your own pride and stubbornness, especially about something you yourself are not at fault over, something that you could justify holding onto, but instead choosing the good of another - THEN, you have managed to love as Christ loved.

Even Christ, in His last moments before His glorious death, spent His breath forgiving the penitent thief and granting him eternal life.  Love consecrates, but forgiveness redeems.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

"Father, forgive them; they know not what they do."