Hyväsovinto

Hyväsovinto is a Finnish term used in religious, ethical, and social contexts to describe a good, sincere reconciliation after a conflict. The compound derives from hyvää (good) and sovinto (reconciliation, settlement, or atonement). In Finnish discourse, hyväsovinto connotes not only resolving a dispute but restoring trust and integrity in the relationship.

In theology, sovinto often refers to reconciliation between persons and God or among people, while hyväsovinto emphasizes the quality of the reconciliation—a process that includes honest acknowledgement of harm, remorse, and efforts to make amends where possible. The concept is often linked to pastoral care, confession, and forgiveness, but hyväsovinto stresses that the reconciliation should be genuine and constructive rather than merely formal.

Practically, hyväsovinto is pursued through acts such as confession, apology, restitution or reparations, and sustained relational repair. It may take place in private, within families, communities, or congregations, and can be supported by pastoral guidance or mediators. The aim is not only to end a dispute but to restore integrity and mutual trust.

In secular settings, the concept aligns with restorative approaches to justice and conflict resolution, which prioritize accountability, apology, and the restoration of social bonds over punitive measures alone. Hyväsovinto is used to distinguish a superficial agreement from a principled, enduring reconciliation.

References to hyväsovinto appear in Finnish religious literature and social philosophy, and the term is employed to highlight the moral quality of reconciliation. See also forgiveness, reconciliation, atonement, restorative justice.