(Proverbs 14:13 NLT) Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

(2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NLT) When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

• If no one sees my unforgiveness, it doesn't exist.

(Luke 4:13 NLT) When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

• Forgiveness requires someone to accept it.

• Forgiveness is a one player game.

(Matthew 6:12 NLT) and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

• Forgiveness requires reconciliation.

• Forgiveness is not about going back for more.

(Proverbs 4:6 NLT) Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.

• My unforgiveness does not impact people close to me.

(Hebrews 12:15 NLT) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

(James 3:17-18 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

• Forgiveness always starts with a choice.

1. Receive forgiveness.

(Acts 26:18 NLT) ... open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'

2. Freely give forgiveness.

(2 Corinthians 5:14 NLT) . . . Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.

(Matthew 10:8 NLT) . . . . Give as freely as you have received!

3. Go first.

(Romans 5:8 NLT) ...God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.