In Mark 4, Jesus gave the Parable of the Sower. Read these verses:
5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.
6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. (NKJV)
The King James Version says that “immediately they are offended” (italics added for emphasis). Think about that a moment. Notice how the Word becomes shut down because someone gets offended (stumbles) as a result of not having depth. The only way that we can have that depth is through the Holy Spirit and abiding in His love. That means that if we walk in unforgiveness because someone offended us, this is how the devil ensnares us because it strips out the force of the Word working in us and on us that tells us that we should be “rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17). We cannot do this on our own, but we can through the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us:
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (NKJV)
I read that to mean that we take control of the thoughts that run afoul of God’s commandments. Forgiveness is one of those commandments, which means that we are supposed to take those thoughts captive before they gain a stronghold in us.
That is why forgetting is equally as critical as forgiving. Otherwise you have picked it up from the foot of the cross and taken that burden back upon yourself. I know about this first hand. I can also tell you about the complete freedom of the heart and spirit when you refuse to allow someone else to captivate your mind, heart, or peace.
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