It takes mental energy to walk in offense and bitterness, whereas the Holy Spirit helps us to walk in love which is a choice. Offense is the work of darkness influenced by the enemy to cause division and distractions so that others are hindered from seeing the love of God. When we stay offended, we are opening the window for the enemy to invite other areas of strongholds in our hearts and minds that will need to be uprooted and delivered. Forgiveness is not earned. It is given freely even if it doesn’t feel warranted. Our feelings will catch up to God’s principles. We should train our thoughts to not focus on the negative, but on God’s word and character. God has commanded us to forgive others so that He can forgive us. Forgiveness provides freedom for ourselves. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:31-32‬ ‭