The book ends with Tess being executed for murdering the man who fathered her illegitimate child. Forgiveness is important, important in real life. The person not forgiven bears the pain of a wounded or broken relationship. That is painful, very painful. Because that person cannot allow himself or herself to become so much like Jesus that they feel compelled to forgive.
Unforgiving persons have to find ways to justify their refusal to forgive.
Every barrier they put up, every rationale they compose to justify their attitude stands in the way of the loving Spirit of Christ Jesus. The full power of that Spirit cannot be experienced because of the things in the way. Please turn in your Bible to that passage and read it along with me. So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. We are committed to being a congregation that is Ever Becoming a People of Love.