Those who have wronged us will not always be open to reconciliation. Even if we cannot forgive them because they will not repent, we are still called to love them. The spiritual peace of the Resurrection is radical; it even extends to enemies!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust." — Matthew 5:43-45
This will look different in different circumstances, but fundamentally, it means willing, acting, and praying for the other person's good. Forgiveness doesn't mean we need to like someone or even associate with them if that would be inappropriate for whatever reason. But it does mean we must forgo hatred and revenge.
In this life, we cannot live in harmony with everyone. Jesus promised us that people would hate us because of him, and ordinary sin often causes unresolvable tensions. But by God's grace we can work for peace and look forward to the peace of the heavenly Kingdom.
