Forgiveness - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Forgiveness is the conscious decision to let go of feelings of resentment or vengeance toward someone who has harmed you. In the context of GCSE Religious Studies, forgiveness is a key theme across many world religions and is often seen as an act of love, compassion, and mercy. It involves moving beyond the desire for retribution and promoting reconciliation and peace. Different religions offer various teachings on forgiveness, such as Christianity’s emphasis on forgiving others as God forgives humankind, or Buddhism’s focus on releasing anger to ensure inner peace. In essence, forgiveness is about healing and renewing relationships, crucial both for personal well-being and community harmony.