Forgiveness is to be withheld from anyone trivializing the mercy. No, for then the covenant of God would be profaned and his wrath provoked against the whole congregation. According to the ordinance of Christ and his apostles, therefore, the Christian church is under obligation, by the office of the keys, to exclude such persons until they amend their lives. Forgiveness is to have as its goal the reconciliation between person and God. Forgiveness calls for redemption.
Forgiveness expects repentance, turning away from whatever led to the sin in the first place.
Forgiveness depends on change taking place. Without repentance, without resolve to do otherwise, forgiveness is simply a cheap way out. Two children are playing. One asserts the old Adam, rises up and takes the other s toy. The victim protests with tears and wailing.