As people who have received forgiveness through the blood of the eternal covenant, we have an obligation to make forgiveness a lifestyle. There are 3 suggestions on how we can practice forgiveness in our daily lives.
Forgiveness does not happen only once.
We will continue to hurt each other but the word of God says "If he sins against you seven times in a day and every time he comes to you and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." (Luke 17:4). Jesus was teaching a principle of unlimited forgiveness, rather than the actual number of times we forgive.
Many requests for forgiveness are made simply to avoid the pain of a wrongful and painful act. When we ask for forgiveness, our intentions must be right. If the wrongdoer tries to oppose and shame the injured person in order to escape reprimand, then his request is not a sincere request. True repentance does not claim any rights when asking for mercy for wrongdoing but shows a broken heart.
In this regard, there are 4 important characteristics that can help us build a forgiving heart.
a) A passion for more than what the here-and-now can provide:The immediate pleasure of sweet revenge is only temporary. Jesus said "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). He approved of hungering for the ways of God who in His time, will satisfy the longings of those who entrust their wellbeing in Him. This is the love that can distinguish us as followers of Christ.
b) Heartbreak through regret and sorrow: "Sorrow that is in harmony with God's will brings repentance and salvation." (2 Corinthians 7:10). The more we realize that we need God's mercy and forgiveness, the more we are willing to give forgiveness to others as well. When we experience heartbreak due to our sin and receive God's forgiveness, then we also want to guide others to experience liberating repentance.
c) Non-revenge: Revenge is a natural human trait. Underserved kindness is not. Those who live apart from grace live in various stages of bitterness, guilt, rage, fear, separation and loneliness. The poison from an unforgiving heart not only poisons the enemy, but poisons us first. We should leave vengeance in God's hands and show kindness to the enemy because this can give them a chance to repent.
d) The desire to love others as God has loved us: This is one of the hallmarks of those who know God. We long to see them receive forgiveness from God as we experienced. Jesus taught that those who have been forgiven much will also love much (Luke 7:40-48). Our actions should express our heavenly Father's efforts to restore the broken relationship. This is not easy but this is our mission.