Matthew 18:

21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven [The NIV makes it easier, lowering 490 times to “seventy seven times” – editor].

23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. 24 When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ 27 The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ 30 He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ 34 His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors [demons (Eph. 4:26-27) — NIV just says jailers – editor] until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”

When we won’t from our hearts fully forgive:
In a sense, we actually from our hearts cast our ‘enemies’ into a prison (verse 30). In our way of thinking (or feeling) we’re taking justice into our own hands. We won’t let them be free until they get fully right with us for whatever misdeeds they committed.
This literally makes God “angry” (verse 34), when we won’t love everyone no matter what. Unforgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit, because He loves these people that we won’t. And we’re the Bible they read. We represent Him.
Demons are Discipline:
It is then God’s will to allow the demons to torment us so we greatly dislike how it feels, enough so we repent to then fully walk in love. Then perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4) = FREEeeeeeeee———–DOM!!!!!!
What is ironic is that those who mistreat us are themselves tormented by evil spirits. It’s the evil spirits that drive them to hurt us — and it’s the demons in us that drive us to withhold forgiveness.
“Our warfare [really] is not against flesh and blood….” It’s demons in them verses demons in us.
We can break the cycle. “Those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God.” Not those who are demon-led to not forgive. We need to seek out and eagerly submit to and follow the still, small voice of the Prince of Peace inside of us — not heeding at all, and even excising the voices that cause strife.
Our hearts should be so soft.
When they hurt us, no problem — “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” “Bless them that curse you.” And Romans 12:

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This is so cool! And is so the opposite of how most US ‘Christians’ reacted to 9/11. And look at the police state being set up against us as a result. But we can still be free inside, where it counts most.
Forgiveness really isn’t an option. That should be our [I absolutely include myself] mindset. Forgiving should be our way of LIFE! It’s a major part of doing the Second Greatest Commandment: loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Let’s love one another. People are so special — every single one — no matter how demonized. “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” Let’s give everyone the benefit of the doubt. It’s not our job to judge them, to determine to withhold love from.
Let’s show the world that we care.
And this will help us be ONE. Then the world will know (John 17).
Bless you!
Jeff : )