Forgiveness Quote by george macdonald
““Have you forgiven me?' I asked. 'How can I say I have, when I never had anything to forgive?' 'Well then, I must go unforgiven for I cannot forgive myself.' I said. 'O Mrs. Percivale! If you think how the world is flooded with forgiveness, you will just dip in your cup, and take what you want.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, 1872
Forgiveness is impossible without first acknowledging that there is nothing to forgive, leading to self‑condemnation and a paradoxical state of being unforgiven.
In simple terms: You can’t forgive what you never did.
Recognize the difference between guilt and self‑acceptance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal healing
- conflict resolution
- spiritual practice
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to forgive yourself?
- How does societal pressure shape our view of forgiveness?
Self‑forgiveness may be hindered by external expectations of repentance.