Don’t let a misconception of “forgiving” bring you into bondage.
The act of forgiving a person must be separated from the restoration of fellowship. Forgiveness is unconditional, a commandment of love regardless of the pain caused by the individual or group.
It is a decision not to seek to avenge wrong done. Restoration of fellowship with a person is however hinged on repentance I.e changed behavior.
Many are either living under guilt of not forgiving because it is not practical to ‘re open their lives to those who hurt them seeing the damage they caused and no indication of a change of position or attitude on their part.
Some then with this sense of guilt ‘re open their lives prematurely and not only does the damage continue but it enables the person with the character defect reinforcing it. This individual now no longer has a reference point to deeply reflect.
The fact that one has placed himself out of close proximity to a person does not mean they have not forgiven that person as also the fact that one is found in the company of a person does not confirm genuine love for the individual. Many hide hatred in their hearts with lying lips back stabbing “friends.”
People should know the definition of forgiveness which is a decision not to avenge wrong done, to harbor no ill-will towards that person, speak no evil of even when an opportunity is given but to have peace in your heart towards him. This also means one prays and does good as one finds the opportunity to.