Judy Douglass writes in her devotional When You Love a Prodigal, "It takes supernatural wisdom to blend justice based on truth with benevolence based on grace."

But God was clear: Forgive. Extend grace. Seek reconciliation. Pursue conversation, not conflict. Keep your doors, and arms, open. It's not a balancing of truth and grace - it's a blending of 100 percent truth and 100 percent grace.

Henri Nouwen comments on forgiveness:

"...even as I have said [I forgive you]...I still wanted the satisfaction of receiving some praise in return...for being so forgiving.                                                                                               

   But God's forgiveness is unconditional; it comes from a heart that does not demand anything for itself....It is this divine forgiveness that I have to practice in my daily life...It demands that I step over that wounded part of my heart that feels hurt and wronged and that wants to stay in control and put a few conditions between me and the one whom I'm asked to forgive." Henri Nouwen The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming 

God never said it would be easy. It requires a willing heart to let go of the need to be right. It's impossible without dying to self in laying down the grievances and wounds. Once the forgiveness process begins, it may not be a one and done. No matter. God gave us, through Jesus Christ, what we did not deserve. Jesus died and lives through us. Forgive today and you just may bring someone one step closer to Jesus or into the arms of love to stay.