I may have a different take of forgiveness. I think we should always be ready and eager to forgive someone, but unless the person has deceased or for some reason cannot communicate, I always thought the forgiveness was freely given once an apology, remorse, etc. was offered.
Our Father in Heaven is faithful and just to forgive us when we bring our sin to Him, confess it, and ask for forgiveness - isn’t that how we’re supposed to do it as well? We are to forgive others, as our Father in Heaven forgives us.
I don’t think a one-sided forgiveness (in most circumstances) is actually reasonable. It does not give the opportunity for the offender to go through what they need to go through - some humility and remorse. I think most of us can agree that if someone comes to us with true sorrow for what they have done, and asks forgiveness, we are eager and happy to jump at the chance!
A spirit of forgiveness and a willingness is always to be present though. A little humility goes a long, long way, and it’s good for both parties to do their part, the offender and the offended.
that makes sense, especially the part about if we want God to forgive us we have to ask for it.
Real forgiveness does not require compliance by the other party. God asks us to do hard things sometimes, like letting an offense go and letting God deal with them, cause that way it gets fixed real good, if you know what I mean. Some times we think we are right in our own eyes but God tries the reins of our heart. So we can fool ourselves but we can’t fool God, I know, I have tried, many times. But I am thankful for the correction for sure.