To ask for forgiveness is an act of courage, which implies repentance in our heart for the faults we commit, recognizing that we have sinned first against God, and then against our neighbors. Forgiveness does not arise in man in a spontaneous and natural way, to sincerely forgive can sometimes be a heroic act, because it is difficult to recognize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, only someone who is willing to humble himself is capable of doing so.
Many times we find it difficult to take that step, not knowing that the longer we take to do it, the harder it becomes, the secret is to make the decision and do it, to free ourselves and remove all roots of bitterness.
When we do it consciously and voluntarily this acts as a liberation from the deep pain that we keep, it heals us of resentment, guilt, fear and the desire for revenge. The most important of all this is that when we forgive, we learn from our mistakes and teach others, allowing us to grow and mature in the understanding of God's love, who forgives our sins, because it tells us to forgive men for receiving the forgiveness of him.
We need to understand that asking for forgiveness is not a trivial matter, but it is very serious for your spiritual and personal growth and you should start asking God for forgiveness, for your faults, only then you will be free and God will turn you away from all evil. (1 John1: 8-9), the Bible also teaches us that if we forgive others, God will forgive us, the one who does not forgive is hindered by a root of deep bitterness (Hebrews 2:15), asking for forgiveness and forgiving is the way to the healing, it is to let go the hardness, that was had toward a person, releasing all those bad things that we harbor.
Forgiving and giving forgiveness is a process that must be practiced throughout one's life and grace is received at every moment. Many times we think that forgiveness is a gift for the other, and that we are freeing it from guilt, without realizing that the only beneficiaries are us. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But forgive others, to men their offenses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses "(Matthew 6: 14-15).
God bless you greatly