"If I owe Smith ten dollars and God forgives me, that doesn't pay Smith"

This quote by Robert G. Ingersoll is a pointer that forgiveness is not a substitute for obligation. Ingersoll is emphasizing that even if one is forgiven by God, it does not discharge them of their commitments to others. He is recommending that even if one is forgiven for their wrongdoings, they still need to make amends with those they have actually wronged. This quote is a reminder that forgiveness is not a totally free pass to avoid effects. It is important to take obligation for our actions and make amends with those we have actually wronged. We should keep in mind that forgiveness does not remove the effects of our actions. We should take responsibility for our actions and apologize with those we have actually wronged in order to move forward. Ingersoll's quote is a pointer that forgiveness is not a substitute for obligation which we should take responsibility for our actions and apologize with those we have wronged.