Forgiving, a.
Disposed to forgive; inclined to overlook offenses; mild; merciful; compassionate; placable; as, a forgiving temper. -- For*giv"ing*ly, adv. -- For*giv"ing*ness, n. J. C. Shairp.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for forgiving; he lists it under humane.
Where he writes about it:
Forgive has reference to feelings, pardon to consequences; hence, the executive may pardon, but has nothing to do officially with forgiving. — from pardon
A person may speak of excusing or forgiving himself, but not of pardoning himself. — from pardon