In a special edition of Outlook, Matthew Bannister speaks to people who have suffered huge personal trauma but have chosen to go through a difficult personal journey to try to forgive those they hold responsible for their grief.
He also talks to broadcaster and author Reverend Ruth Scott, who uses storytelling to help soothe the wounds of conflict all across the globe.
Jo Berry and Patrick Magee
Jo Berry and Patrick Magee have a very unlikely friendship.
Patrick Magee is a former member of the IRA who was given eight life sentences for bombing a hotel in Brighton, England, in 1984, killing five people and injuring many others.
Jo Berry is the daughter of one of the people who died in the bombing - the MP Sir Anthony Berry.
Patrick was released from jail after serving only 13 years - thanks to the Good Friday Agreement which started the process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Since then - despite Jo's loss and their obvious differences - Jo and Patrick have struck up a close friendship.
They speak regularly on public platforms, discussing reconciliation, peace and understanding, in the hope that they can ease not just their own pain but also that of many others.
Park Chun Hwan and Im Bong Taek
The story of South Koreans Park Chun Hwan and Im Bong Taek is one of torture, betrayal and reconciliation.
40 years ago Park Chun Hwan was captured by North Korea and then arrested on his return to the South and subjected to terrible torture.
Under this pressure he betrayed his innocent friend Im Bong Taek, who was also arrested, tortured and imprisoned.
Now a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Korea has arranged for the two men to meet.
And despite his treatment Im Bong Taek says he now forgives his old friend.
Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin
Israeli Rami Elhanan and Palestinian Bassam Aramin have both lost daughters in the conflict between their peoples.
But instead of demanding revenge, they are working together for peace.
Rami and Bassam are part of a 500 strong group called The Circle of Bereaved Parents and have now become close friends.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/2009/12/091222_outlook_reconciliation.shtml
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