What are the signs I have truly forgiven someone?

Matthew 5:44“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Mark 11:2“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Acts 7:59-60As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

We have truly forgiven someone when we can pray for that person, asking God to “bless” him or her.

Romans 12:17-21Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

We have truly forgiven someone when we do not think about getting revenge in any way. Taking revenge includes telling others about how we have been wronged, making the one who has hurt us look bad, making the person feel guilty, or wishing the worst for him or her.

Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Philippians 4:8Now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

We have truly forgiven someone when we think positively about that person, focusing on what we see in him or her that is “excellent and worthy of praise.”

Matthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

We have truly forgiven someone when we continue to forgive that person, even as he or she continues to wrong or hurt us.