The alternative that awaits us was put by Our Blessed Lord in a few words which also sum up the whole parable, “So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (NRSV, Matthew 18: 35). “From your heart”: those are the significant words. A forgiveness that goes no deeper than words is no forgiveness at all if there remains bitterness in the heart.

Are we in doubt as to whether we have really forgiven those who have injured us? If so, we can very quickly make sure. If we have really forgiven them, then we shall find ourselves only too willing to forget the whole unhappy matter.

That is what happens when God forgives. In the words of Jeremiah, “…I will forgive their iniquity”, says the Lord, “and remember their sin no more” (31: 34).