The word forgive can be closely related to three words excuse, pardon and condone. These three words can be used as a conventional way of apology. Pardon implies release from the penalty entailed by an offense. Excuse can also imply the ability to pas over a mistake or fault with demanding scorn or redress. The utterance condone in addition is also the ability to overlook an offense, and usually a serious one.To show that forgiveness is an act of the will, a choice to let go or to hold. Forgiving is a decision-based procedure that empowers people and can promote harmony in relationships, peace within the self, and, for believing clients, serenity with God. This study will utilize parents and their adult children, and marital couples.(10-11)
Diblasio, Frederick, "Decision-based Forgiveness in Marital and Intergenerational Family Relationships", http://www.forgiving.org/Campaign/research_family.asp March 1, 2004