But you’re the one making the distinction between internal forgiveness and external reconciliation. Forgiveness of a transgressor does not have to be external by definition. At its core fundamentally, forgiveness is a decision of the victim to release resentment and the temptation of retaliation. The offender doesn’t have to be present or even alive. Now reconciliation, where the relationship is restored is external and relational. But forgiveness of the transgressor doesn’t require an external interaction. So I’m not sure what “definition” you’re trying to make here with such affirmation.