The act of forgiveness is not something that comes easily to most of us. Too often we become angry or judgmental instead of forgiving others. It can be difficult to remember we have all made mistakes or done things we regret, and we would want to be forgiven in turn. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” It is that divinity that Jesus Christ embodies and to which so many aspire. Jesus’s message is one of forgiving anyone, and he lived by that same principle, providing an example to all.

Jesus on Forgiveness contains quotes and wisdom from the teachings and ministrations of Jesus Christ as he communed with the people around him, stressing the need for sincere graciousness and letting go of the desire for revenge. His gentle words encouraging a spirit of forgiveness toward even those who have done us the most harm can inspire and touch people of any faith, Christian or otherwise.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21–22)

Joseph B. Healy is a writer who has worked as a consumer-magazine editor since 1990 in the fly-fishing and regional-magazine fields. He now edits Covey Rise, a high-end wingshooting lifestyle magazine. He lives with his wife and young son in Vermont.