7. Should we forgive a person who doesn’t ask to be forgiven? Luke 23:34. Compare Acts 7:60.
NOTE: ‘It is your work to study and to imitate the Pattern. Was Christ self-denying? So must you be. Was He meek and lowly? So must you be. Was He zealous in the work of saving souls? So must you be. Did He labour to promote the glory of His Father? So must you. Did He often seek help from God? So must you. Was Christ patient? So will you be patient. As Christ forgave His enemies, so will you forgive.’ Testimonies, volume 5, page 160.
8. Can forgiving repair or restore a damaged relationship? Consider John 18:17, 25-7; John 21:15-17.
NOTE: ‘Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter’s repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple. Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said to him, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32. That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock.’ Desire of Ages, page 812.