And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25, NIV)
The Bible talks alot about forgiveness. Forgiveness is one aspect of christianity and human life in general. Forgiveness does not really come easy to so many people depending on the how they were offended or the kind of personality. Naturally our instincts is to recoil in self protection when we are offended and also we don't overflow with mercy and understanding when someone else offends us. Therefore it begs the question - Is forgiveness a conscious choice or emotional state?
A very good example of forgiveness is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was a young boy and his father Jacob loved Joseph and Benjamin so much because of their mother but his brothers who were born of Leah were envious of them. Joseph was sold as a slave to Egyptians traders and from there he saw tribulations but by the grace of God, he conquered and was richly blessed.
Genesis 45:3-5
And Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph! Is my father still alive? And his brothers could not reply, for they were distressingly disturbed and dismayed at [the startling realization that they were in] his presence.
And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they did so. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!
But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.
From the story of Joseph, we can see that forgiveness is a matter of choice. Forgiveness is based on decision on our own free will which is inspired by obedience to God and His commandments that He provided for us. We must learn to forgive our trespassers because Jesus had commanded it and He had laid down His life for reconciliation with the father.