Must we forgive someone who has not repented or asked for forgiveness?
A viewer asks whether we can, or must, forgive someone who hurt us when that person has not repented and has not asked us for forgiveness.
Answer
No, it is not necessary. What is required is that you cultivate an attitude of forgiveness, so that you are ready the moment they repent and come to you sincerely. You must not be stubborn or hard-hearted, saying you will never forgive no matter what; that is not the Christian way, for Jesus said if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you. But that does not mean you must ipso facto forgive everyone regardless of whether they repent; that would be to play the fool, and Jesus told us to be as cautious as serpents and as gentle as doves, and not to cast our pearls before swine. So you are required to forgive only when the person asks for it, and until then you are required only to keep an attitude ready to forgive as your heavenly Father forgives.