Its prototype is the cross. We dare not confuse it with emotion. Although feeling will eventually follow if we maintain faith's resolve despite temptations to bitterness, the feeling is not the forgiveness. It may be agony even to think about forgiving a past injury, but God will gradually enable us if we let Him. And the very decision to forgive releases God's power to restore our damaged emotions.
True reconciliation is impossible without genuine repentance.
Unless we acknowledge our sins, we cannot enjoy our Father's fellowship. God's love and His desire to show mercy are constant toward the unrepentant. It's His very commitment to show mercy that allows us and draws us to come to Him. Jesus leaves no room for an unforgiving spirit, even if the offender never repents. We must let go of the offense and let it be washed into the river of God's justice, that it may not pollute our springs.