When is it right to forgive those who have hurt us?

A rabbi reads from a Torah scroll (Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

It can help victims free themselves from anger and hatred, which can become a lasting mental wound that blights their lives.

But not everyone is able to forgive every type of offence, criminal or otherwise. And when contrition by the wrongdoer is absent, it can be impossible to do so.

Today, we publish several different takes on the theme of forgiveness, in the hope they offer some assistance to victims, wrongdoers and those fortunate enough to be bystanders.

With God's help, I have forgiven the terrorists who murdered my family and friends – Rev Aftab Gohar

To forgive is not divine. We should do so when a wrongdoer's contrition gives us a reason – Fraser Sutherland

Forgiveness is central to Jewish tradition but we must never forget – Joe Goldblatt

Uproar over Goodwillie signing shows some things are considered unforgiveable in 'progessive' Scotland – Tom Wood

Hatred is corrosive. Forgiveness can lighten heavy, weary hearts