Quote Originally Posted by MagpieTony View Post
No, forgiveness is the responsibility of the individual whether or not the perpetrator is penitent or not. They don't even have to be present or aware of your forgiveness. The act of forgiving frees you from many negative and destructive effects that can destroy both your physical and mental health as well as your relationships. Unforgiveness is like a cancer that can pollute your whole mind and body. It is the fertile soil from which the root of bitterness can grow and consume you and keep you locked in anxiety, anger and resentment which will affect your ability to trust, love and function. The conscious act of forgiveness breaks the chains and releases you from the power of victimhood. It sets you free. If a person is truly sorry for what they've done and asks for your forgiveness, your consent can also free them from their feelings of guilt and torment and can be the basis of reconciliation. A win win situation. Forgiveness is a very powerful tool for life for those who decide to use it.
Unfortunately, a lot of the girls slaughtered in Manchester are not alive to give forgiveness to the scum who perpetrated the act, or the apologist in Syria who thinks it's justified as 'retaliation'.