There are several reasons that people feel entitled to not forgive . One is the belief that forgiveness means to excuse . Of course, we disapprove mistake, but to be detached from one who committed it. Another reason is that anger caused resentment gives us a false sense of power . Chances are unconscious forgiveness to fear , because the moment that we delete any wrongdoing by someone with sponge , our feelings will no longer be projected upon him. They will manifest in us other forms. Instead of feeling anger and grief , we feel the vulnerability, remorse , fear , confusion . We may even feel pain. But forgiving , we can move on, leaving behind negative feelings .