Repentance and Forgiveness are Two Sides of the Same Coin both Must be present for a Relationship to be Restored

What many Christians do not understand is that forgiveness is given when repentance is shown, not before. However, we have a forgiving Spirit even if we do not prematurely forgive for feelings' sake. God's timing and ways are perfect. He said to forgive the way He forgives. He forgives when there is repentance.

The reason so many people misunderstand the need for repentance with God is that they believe He forgives them when they are not sorry.

Luke 17:3-4 "…3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” "

Some people think they are forgiving just by saying they forgive but forgiveness is not a feeling or a thought it is the action of canceling a debt and restoring a relationship.

Superficial forgiveness does nothing, it may even cause enabling allowing the offender to become worse for lack of accountability.

Do not allow superficial Christians to intimidate you into forgiving someone who is a repeat offender or doesn't think they did anything wrong against you. The world teaches wrong things and in so doing they are thwarting God's purposes and possible resolutions.