True forgiveness—both giving and receiving—reflects the Gospel itself. It's an admission of our brokenness (confession), a petition for mercy (prayer), and a turning toward a new way of life (repentance), all made possible by the one who forgave us when we couldn't even form the words. Reciprocity (I love that word) is mutually beneficial. God want His children to all get along. That's why it is woven into the core message throughout His Word: love God, love one another.