I found it interesting that many of us, including myself think that forgiveness is solely a christian tenet. This is not really the case it seems. (see link).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgiveness

According to the facts, forgiveness is also a practice of Bhuddism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism as well. Does anyone know about Shintoism? Isn't that an offshoot of Bhuddism?

As for my personal view, I try to follow the teachings of Christ. That I miserably fail to attain them at times is true, but having some sort of moral guidline has often led to some surprising results in my relationships. There is nothing like telling one's arch enemy that you forgive him or her, and that you'll be praying for them. It completely blows some folks away sometimes. It's like pulling the rug out from under their anger. Sometimes they will even get a bit more angry at first, but usually leaves them stupified as to how to respond. My favorite example of Christ's attitude toward forgiveness is from his sermon on the mount.

First take the beam out of your own eye, then you'll know how to remove the mote from your nieghbor's (paraphrasing)