The Melanesian people with all their languages had no word for forgiveness. In fact, it’s difficult to find the term in the languages of peoples and cultures unaffected by Christianity. This may be because the concept is foreign to human nature: injustice demands retribution.

When Mosaic law adopted “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” to combat the common practice of disproportionate retaliation, it was a step forward for humanity.

The concept of forgiveness goes further. It is not natural, but supernatural; not weak, but strong; and not irrational, but rational when recognizing that the crucifixion of Christ ultimately brought about justice. Hence, with the divine help of grace, it is possible for us to rise above our instincts and forego unforgiveness and retaliation. Since God has done it for us, we must do it for others.