Forgiveness
Have you ever heard the phrase "To err is human; to forgive, divine"? While this is often said flippantly, it is true. Throughout history, God has been merciful and forgiving to those who repent of their sin. But that doesn't mean forgiveness is automatic. Because the penalty for sin is death, God's law says there can be no forgiveness without the sacrifice of a life. In the Old Testament,  God  introduced a system of animal sacrifices for his people to follow. But those sacrifices were only preparatory and temporary, looking forward to what was to come.

Jesus' death provided the ultimate sacrifice. He was a man, but he lived a perfect life. If we confess to God that we have sinned, believe that Christ died for our sins and ask him to take control of our lives, God will forgive our sins. That means our sins are wiped out, gone forever. It is true that we will still sin in this life, but God will continue to forgive us if we are truly sorry for our sin and desire to change (see Repentance).

In the same way, we need to forgive those who offended or hurt us. Because Christ freely sacrificed his life to forgive us, we cannot justifiably hold grudges against those who have deprived us of things we perceive as rights.

God demonstrates his merciful and forgiving nature.
Leciticus 4:13-35
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Psalm 130:3-4
1 John 1:8-9
We have forgiveness because of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Isaiah 52:4-8
Ephesians 1:4-8
Colossians 2:13-14
Hebrews 9:1-10:10
1 John 1:7
We are to forgive one another because God has forgiven us.
Matthew 18:21:35
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13