forgiveness

The etymology of the word forgive is the old english "forgiefan" - "for" completely and "giefan" give in.

Whenever we feel offended, we are held captive by illusion and deceived by fear. It is of fear's nature to reciprocate offense with punishment.

Offense is an illusion because the truth is that our almighty God and all that is of Him can never be attacked or offended.

Forgiveness, then, is to give in completely to truth, to love, to God.

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."