Forgiveness does not mean
that we do not care
or that the other person is pardoned.
Our forgiving people for what they have done does not mean that they will escape the consequences of their acts. We have forgiven, not pardoned. Understanding cause and effect, we know that those who do wrong will reap the consequences.
So what does our forgiveness accomplish?
In forgiveness, we are spared from having to personally judge and punish the other person. Their fair retribution will be forthcoming; it is not up to us to bring it about. This means we are spared the consequences we would have brought down upon ourselves as a result of our judging and punishing.
In forgiveness, we are freed from holding the desire for revenge in our hearts.
One who forgives strives to let go of anger and hatred. As the Buddha cautioned, to carry anger is like holding a hot coal waiting to throw it at another.
We are the one who gets burned.