We need both repentance and forgiveness. Neither one stands alone, they need each other to be complete. If we do not require repentance than it is an injustice to the victim. If we do not require forgiveness then a repentant sinner cannot reconcile a relationship.
Those who say we must forgive those who are not repentant are placing their psychological way above God's way.
God commanded BOTH repentance and forgiveness.
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.”…"
This is very clear in God's word, we are to forgive when they come to us and confess their sin, not before.
Those who have sinned are to come to ask forgiveness before they can be forgiven.
Giving a pass for sin only empowers sin causing it to grow. Relationships are not restored when someone does not care enough about those they have offended to confess.
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