To grasp what true forgiveness is, we must examine these common counterfeits. If his devout parents believe they must excuse the driver because he was drunk, they will not forgive. That would be a lie. Forgiveness is the opposite of excusing. It reaches beyond excusing.
Forgiveness acknowledges that drunken driving is inexcusable but pardons the offender anyway.
Excusing has its place, however. Many times there are extenuating circumstances. When we discover the circumstances that motivated a person, our understanding enables us to make allowances for him. But make no mistake, excusing is not forgiveness. To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.