The ultimate goal of forgiveness, just as the ultimate goal of our whole lives should be, is to bring glory and honor to God.
Forgiveness in the life of a believer showcases the astounding, redemptive heart of God. It puts on display the riches of His abundant mercy and His amazing grace, for all to see….
Forgiveness is not just an act of obedience for obedience’s sake. Yes, we are commanded to forgive. And yes, we who have been forgiven so much certainly have no right to be debt collectors. But more than an obligation, forgiveness is a high calling — an opportunity to be part of something eternal, to shower back our gratitude to the One who forgave us everything….
Think of it as an offering, a sacrifice, a love gift to God . . . for Him and Him alone. If He adds to the blessing by causing our forgiveness to be of help to us or others, so much the better. But to know that He is pleased and praised — that is reason and reward enough.
— Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Forgiveness, p. 214-215