The Catholic obligation to forgive from the heart, imitating God's mercy
To forgive offenses willingly is to pardon those who wrong us from the heart. Christ commands: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). The CCC teaches: "It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion" (CCC 2843).
Genesis 50:20: Joseph forgives brothers. Matthew 18:21-22: Forgive "seventy times seven." Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them." Ephesians 4:32: "Forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
St. Stephen: Forgave killers (Acts 7:60). St. Maria Goretti (1902): Forgave murderer. St. John Paul II (1981): Forgave assassin. Vatican II stressed reconciliation (GS 28).
To forgive offenses willingly is the heart of Christian mercy. Christ forgave from the Cross, commanding us to do likewise. The Our Father makes our forgiveness conditional on forgiving others (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, heals wounds, and imitates God's mercy. Catholics practice by releasing grudges, praying for offenders, seeking reconciliation. Forgiveness is the supreme act of supernatural charity, cooperating with Christ's redemptive work.