For-giving

Forgiveness is a gift. 
It is not earned like a wage. 
It doesn't have to be deserved because it is not a prize. 
It doesn't wait for anything in return because it is not a barter.
That is why at the center of the word forgiveness is the word "give". It is something that is for-giving. 
In Italian the word is more beautiful and meaningful because forgiveness is PERDONO. "Per" means for; "Dono" means gift.
Indeed, the capacity to forgive shows the magnanimity of our heart, a heart capable of giving.