[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

There should not be confusion between forgiveness and clemency. Forgiveness is within the heart of someone who has been trespassed against; it is their way of liberating themselves from hatred against those who trespassed against them; as well as hoping that those who trespassed will themselves seek salvation.

Clemency should only be given to those who were denied fair justice and judgment. It does not come from the victim, nor should the victim be allowed to mitigate the punishment. For the reason that this trial, conviction and sentences were not done by the victims, but the state acting on their behalf.

While a person was murdered, this was an offense against the state. So it is the state that gives justice and judgment. And it is the state that decides if clemency is warranted.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I suspect that most of those who are blasting Christian forgiveness, assume that forgiveness is the same as moral relativism. They think the widow of the murdered man is saying "What you did wasn't bad" or "It wasn't THAT bad" or "I don't mind, I find it tolerable" or "You couldn't help yourselves, you were abused as children" or "You'll go to heaven without repentance, because God doesn't send anyone to hell."

That's *not* it at all.

Forgiveness does not replace justice; in fact the widow could forgive the murderers and at the same time state that they deserve to be shot.

But if "Oh, forget about it, let's move on" is what people think forgiveness means, then their conclusion is that she has passively sided with evil. And if that were the case, their indignation would be correct.