Myth 5: Forgiveness Means You Can Forgive Halfheartedly

Forgiveness is often a process. If an offense is particularly heinous, it may take several attempts to actually rid your heart of the pain associated with it and free the offender from their wrongdoing. Merely saying you forgive, but not doing the hard work of surrendering the pain to Jesus does yourself and the offender a great disservice.

Biblical forgiveness: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any roots of bitterness or resentment that have taken root because of a wrongdoing that was not forgiven fully.  If the Holy Spirit reveals nothing, then  you know you have forgiven. If the Spirit  reveals a picture, word or vision of an offensive way, get rid of it quickly, so it does not take root.