--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Forgiving someone does not mean you…" description: "\"Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their behavior. The act of forgiveness takes place in your own mind. It really has nothing to do with the o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg" --- # Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their… ![“Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their behavior. The act of forgiveness takes place in your own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person. The reality of true forgiveness lies in setting ourselves free from holding on to the pain. It is simply an act of releasing yourself…” quote by Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg) > “Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their behavior. The act of forgiveness takes place in your own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person. The reality of true forgiveness lies in setting ourselves free from holding on to the pain. It is simply an act of releasing yourself from the negative energy.” [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Forgiveness frees the forgiver, not the offender; it’s an internal release of pain. **In simple terms:** Forgiveness is for your own peace. Key Takeaway Release resentment to heal yourself. Themes healing psychology self‑care empathy Mood calm hopeful Type self‑help inspirational When to use this quote - personal trauma - relationship conflict - self‑growth - stress management Key Concepts forgiveness inner peace emotional release Questions to Reflect On - What does true forgiveness look like for you? - How can you balance forgiveness with justice? A Different Perspective Forgiveness may not address accountability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Behavior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behavior/) [Energy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/energy/) [Forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiveness/) [Forgiving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiving/) [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Negative energy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negative-energy/) [Pain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pain/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Setting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/setting/) ## Related quotes > [The act of forgiveness takes place in our own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/the-act-of-forgiveness-takes-place-in-our-own-mind-it-really-has/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [The act of forgiveness is a necessary and truly transformational process.You must be willing to forgive any person or situation that has caused you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/the-act-of-forgiveness-is-a-necessary-and-truly-transformational/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [“Forgiveness takes a great deal of personal strength. A weak person cannot forgive, and their actions will keep them captive and fester like an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/k-m-shea/forgiveness-takes-a-great-deal-of-personal-strength-a-weak-person/) [K.M. Shea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/k-m-shea/) > [It takes a strong person to apologize, to admit mistakes openly and to ask for forgiveness. It takes an even stronger person to take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebekah-thornburg/it-takes-a-strong-person-to-apologize-to-admit-mistakes-openly-and-to/) Rebekah Thornburg > [Forgiveness takes time. It is the last step of the grieving process.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elin-nordegren/forgiveness-takes-time-it-is-the-last-step-of-the-grieving-process/) [Elin Nordegren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elin-nordegren/) > [“Forgiveness takes intelligence, discipline, imagination, and persistence, as well as a special psychological strength, something athletes call mental toughness and warriors call courage.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-m-hallowell/forgiveness-takes-intelligence-discipline-imagination-and-persistence/) [Edward M. Hallowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-m-hallowell/) > [The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place when we sincerely petition the Father to let those who have hurt us off the hook—even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-ultimate-proof-of-total-forgiveness-takes-place-when-we-sincerely/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [My main focus is to try to give myself time to heal...Forgiveness takes time. It is the last step of the grieving process.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elin-nordegren/my-main-focus-is-to-try-to-give-myself-time-to-heal-forgiveness-takes/) [Elin Nordegren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elin-nordegren/) > [Forgiveness takes the burden of hate, guilt, and bitterness off your back and, with a lighter load, you can climb higher and faster, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/forgiveness-takes-the-burden-of-hate-guilt-and-bitterness-off-your/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [In its highest form, not judging is the ultimate act of forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kuypers/in-its-highest-form-not-judging-is-the-ultimate-act-of-forgiveness/) [John Kuypers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kuypers/) > [Grief is not the strongest thing that a person could ever feel, but its Forgiveness, a single act of forgiveness can change everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/grief-is-not-the-strongest-thing-that-a-person-could-ever-feel-but/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Forgiveness is more than words ... it is a state of being, and if forgiveness is to be anything more than a superficial offering,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-whitehouse/forgiveness-is-more-than-words-it-is-a-state-of-being-and-if/) Bill Whitehouse > [The act of forgiveness is the act of returning to present time. And that's why when one has become a forgiving person, and has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-myss/the-act-of-forgiveness-is-the-act-of-returning-to-present-time-and/) [Caroline Myss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-myss/) > [You cant legislate into existence an act of forgiveness and a true confession; those are mysteries of the human heart, and they occur between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/athol-fugard/you-cant-legislate-into-existence-an-act-of-forgiveness-and-a-true/) [Athol Fugard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/athol-fugard/) > [Forgive yourself. The supreme act of forgiveness is when you can forgive yourself for all the wounds you've created in your own life. Forgiveness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-angel-ruiz/forgive-yourself-the-supreme-act-of-forgiveness-is-when-you-can/) [Miguel Angel Ruiz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-angel-ruiz/) ## More by Louise Hay > [If I want to be loved as I am, I have to be willing to love others as they are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/if-i-want-to-be-loved-as-i-am-i-have-to-be-willing-to-love-others-as/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Meditation is really just quieting yourself enough so you can get in touch with your own inner wisdom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/meditation-is-really-just-quieting-yourself-enough-so-you-can-get-in/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Look in the mirror and tell yourself how wonderful you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/look-in-the-mirror-and-tell-yourself-how-wonderful-you-are/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [I release all criticism. I only give out that which I wish to receive in return. My love and acceptance of others is mirrored…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/i-release-all-criticism-i-only-give-out-that-which-i-wish-to-receive/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Love is acceptance - accepting people as they are. Just acceptance and caring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/love-is-acceptance-accepting-people-as-they-are-just-acceptance-and/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [People have one of two extreme reactions to my book. They either throw it across the room, or they rush out and buy 10…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/people-have-one-of-two-extreme-reactions-to-my-book-they-either-throw/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Love who and what you are and what you do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/love-who-and-what-you-are-and-what-you-do/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [I am a beautiful flower that is blossoming more and more each day. I delight in my world, and my world delights in me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/i-am-a-beautiful-flower-that-is-blossoming-more-and-more-each-day-i/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [I have a thorough understanding of nutrition, and I feed my body only foods that support health.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/i-have-a-thorough-understanding-of-nutrition-and-i-feed-my-body-only/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Each day is a start of a new adventure, and I eagerly look forward to today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/each-day-is-a-start-of-a-new-adventure-and-i-eagerly-look-forward-to/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [The door to my heart opens inward. I move through forgiveness to love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/the-door-to-my-heart-opens-inward-i-move-through-forgiveness-to-love/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [I now stop feeling guilty. I let myself out of that prison.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/i-now-stop-feeling-guilty-i-let-myself-out-of-that-prison/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [If you eat one less candy bar or donut a day, you're doing your body some good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/if-you-eat-one-less-candy-bar-or-donut-a-day-you-re-doing-your-body/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [Today is a new day. Today is a day for you to begin creating a joyous, fulfilling life. Today is the day to begin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/today-is-a-new-day-today-is-a-day-for-you-to-begin-creating-a-joyous/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) > [I am willing to learn how to take good care of my body.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/i-am-willing-to-learn-how-to-take-good-care-of-my-body/) [Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) [Explore all 452 Louise Hay quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/) ## More Behavior quotes > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [By making conscious choices in our behavior and where we focus our attention, we can transform our experience of our body, decrease our biological…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deepak-chopra/by-making-conscious-choices-in-our-behavior-and-where-we-focus-our/) [Deepak Chopra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deepak-chopra/) > [As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/as-you-begin-changing-your-thinking-start-immediately-to-change-your/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I now know that deep within the human concept is something dark, selfish, and completely willing to do whatever is necessary to support the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melissa-west/i-now-know-that-deep-within-the-human-concept-is-something-dark/) [Melissa West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melissa-west/) > [“We are endowed with genes which code out our reaction to beavers and otters, maybe our reaction to each other as well. We are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/we-are-endowed-with-genes-which-code-out-our-reaction-to-beavers-and/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [The number of poor, and poorly prepared, students who succeed in college and beyond undercuts the simplistic notion that economic or educational disadvantage is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roland-merullo/the-number-of-poor-and-poorly-prepared-students-who-succeed-in/) [Roland Merullo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roland-merullo/) > [To behave creatively in art means behavior with skill; and skill comes from discipline, not derangement. The artist who knows the rules -and proportion…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/burne-hogarth/to-behave-creatively-in-art-means-behavior-with-skill-and-skill-comes/) Burne Hogarth > [You don't put milk in chamomile tea - that's disgusting behavior! That's not right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-fraser/you-don-t-put-milk-in-chamomile-tea-that-s-disgusting-behavior-that-s/) [Laura Fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-fraser/) > [The laws of thermodynamics, as empirically determined, express the approximate and probable behavior of systems of a great number of particles, or, more precisely,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-willard-gibbs/the-laws-of-thermodynamics-as-empirically-determined-express-the/) J. Willard Gibbs > [I started with the belief that every person who came to the laboratory was free to accept or to reject the dictates of authority.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanley-milgram/i-started-with-the-belief-that-every-person-who-came-to-the/) [Stanley Milgram](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanley-milgram/) > [The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malcolm-gladwell/the-tipping-point-is-that-magic-moment-when-an-idea-trend-or-social/) [Malcolm Gladwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malcolm-gladwell/) > [I think we've told a lot of lies about human behavior through film.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-arquette/i-think-we-ve-told-a-lot-of-lies-about-human-behavior-through-film/) [Patricia Arquette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-arquette/) > [The strongest rebellion may be expressed in quiet, undramatic behavior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-spock/the-strongest-rebellion-may-be-expressed-in-quiet-undramatic-behavior/) [Benjamin Spock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-spock/) > [The behavior of any bureaucratic organization can best be understood by assuming that it is controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-conquest/the-behavior-of-any-bureaucratic-organization-can-best-be-understood/) [Robert Conquest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-conquest/) > [If you want good behavior, don't pay on a commission basis. Our judges aren't paid so much a case. We keep them pretty well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-munger/if-you-want-good-behavior-don-t-pay-on-a-commission-basis-our-judges/) [Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-munger/) [Browse all 4,218 Behavior quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behavior/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their behavior. The act of forgiveness takes place in your own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person. The reality of true forgiveness lies in setting ourselves free from holding on to the pain. It is simply an act of releasing yourself from the negative energy.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Louise Hay" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-condone-their-behavior-the-act-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Behavior" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-condone-their-behavior-the-act-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/louise-hay-598_behavior_forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-cond_539063.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Forgiving someone does not mean you condone their behavior. The act of forgiveness takes place in your own…” — Louise Hay", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Louise Hay", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-hay/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Forgiving someone does not mean you...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-condone-their-behavior-the-act-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-hay/forgiving-someone-does-not-mean-you-condone-their-behavior-the-act-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```