In the month of March, we’d like to focus on the power of forgiveness whether that is forgiving others or being forgiven. Through the practice of forgiveness, we can see how it has a great influence on our relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. To seek forgiveness is a humbling experience, and forgiving wrongdoings requires great charity. Here are five quotes on forgiveness to help see its power and importance when interacting with others:

“Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me.” ~ Psalm 51:3-4

“If a man finds it very hard to forgive injuries, let him look at a Crucifix, and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him, and not only forgave His enemies, but even prayed to His Heavenly Father to forgive them also.” ~ St. Philip Neri

“Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against the natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.” ~Pope St. John Paul II

“It is not possible to live without forgiveness, or at least you cannot live well, especially in the family. Every day we wrong each other. We must take account of these errors that we make due to our fragility and our selfishness. However, what is required of us is to heal the wounds we make straight away, to immediately weave again the threads we have broken.” ~ Pope Francis

“He who knows how to forgive prepares for himself many graces from God. As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart.” ~ St. Maria Faustina

These quotes can be taken to prayer, shared with family members, or reflected on when forgiveness is required.