I don't quite agree with your definition of "forgive" kendall. I do agree the you can forgive without condoning the act or behavior. And yes, forgiveness will set the forgiver free but it also sets the forgiven free. I think of Jean Paul Jean in "les Mesirables" and what a picture of grace that it gives us. If the one who obtains mercy, that is to say, forgivence, learns the same, then the moral mission of forgivence is complete. If he doesn't learn, he is still free. Did Barabbas go right?

I'm reminded of the condemned man who stood before his judge and pleaded for mercy. The judge said "You don't deserve mercy!" to which the condemned man answered "Sir, if I deserved it, it would not be mercy."