Forgiveness has this purpose:
It protects us from the insidious arm that comes from sins done against us.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen

Forgiveness: Giving up your right to hurt back

Outline of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians:
1) Remember what God has done for us in Christ Jesus
2) When we believe, God seals us with the Holy Spirit
3) All believers are part of the church
4) There is no place for Pride in the church
5) It is only through Christ that we have access to the Heavenly Father
6) Disunity dishonors what God has done for us in Christ
7) Live a life in response to all the God has done for us

Biblical foundation of Forgiveness

Romans 3:23 - "All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 -
The Wages of Sin is DEATH
The Gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus

II Corinthians 5:21 - “God made Jesus who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I John 1:9 - "God is faithful and just and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1. Admit something has happened
2. Recognize the consequences of the sin done against us
3. Honestly tell God how we feel
4. Forgive the offender for your own sake
5. Forgive the offender when they repent - for their sake
6. Distinguish between forgiving and trusting your offender
7. Seek reconciliation not conflict resolution