Forgiveness is a gift God gives us freely and completely.  We are also to forgive others freely and completely.  Because He gives us grace for Christ’s sake, we are to also give grace to others.  In that way, we show our relationship to God.  When we are forgiven by God, the sin is not remembered any more.  Sins against us which are forgiven are not to be remembered. Unforgiveness breaks down our relationships and interferes with God’s purpose for us.