"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is an intriguing thing. Often a times, we view it as a mark of something good that we do, beyond ourselves. An "extra mile" that we go for someone, being the nice guy that we don't have to be by extending our gracious arms to accept one's failings in a warm hug.

the secular view of forgiveness is reciprocal in nature. One where forgiveness is decided and extended to someone after he/she has made a mistake. One where forgiveness is about being gracious and accepting. More often than not, our forgiveness of others is the consequent of their expression of remorse or repentence. And truth be told, that we only extend our forgiveness if they admit and ask for our forgiveness.

Now, not only does God tell us that repentance isn’t the necessary prerequisite to forgiveness, repentence isn't at all what the heart of forgiveness is about.

The heart of forgiveness has to be that of love.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

Even before we've committed sin, Christ has already forgiven us. Biblical forgiveness is one that is independent of circumstances, one that is about believing that the cross of Jesus Christ is a sufficient payment. it is not about what you've done, but what has been done for you. Christ has loved us so much, that even before we committed sin, His love has compelled Him to forgive us. That is the heart of forgiveness; the love for another. Forgiveness is not about merely having the grace to accept someone, but about one's capacity to love.

Forgiveness doesn’t start with the other person. It starts with you and God.