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We live in a culture that views forgiveness not as a virtue, but as a sign of weakness. The victim mentality reigns supreme in our society, and as a result of these and other perspectives, vengeance and retaliation are exalted, not the noble and Christlike virtues of forgiveness and restoration. The price of refusing to forgive is high. Unforgiveness produces hatred, bitterness, animosity, anger, and retaliation. It not only clogs up our arteries but also the courts with thousands of vindictive lawsuits. Refusing to forgive imprisons people to their past. On the other hand, forgiveness frees people from the past. It is liberating, God honoring, and healthy. Forgiveness relieves tension, brings peace and joy, and restores relationships. In addition to its personal and societal benefits, there are many biblical reasons for forgiving others.