Sin and impenitence
Do we as faithful Christians have a biblical obligation to forgive our neighbor even if they do not ask for it, show no remorse, and refuse to repent? We must forgive unconditionally, as God has forgiven us unconditionally, correct?
On the basis of Scripture, our Catechism states: “The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to his church on earth: to forgive the sins of penitent sinners but to refuse forgiveness to the impenitent as long as they do not repent.” As Christians, the Lord has given us the keys to announce forgiveness to penitent sinners and to refuse forgiveness to people as long as they are impenitent (Matthew 16:19).
If someone has sinned against me and refuses to repent, I would not announce God’s forgiveness to that person (John 20:23; 1 John 1:8, 10), but I would make sure that I did not harbor any personal animosity toward that person and jeopardize my own relationship with God (1 John 1:9; 3:15; 4:20).
If that person did eventually repent and seek my forgiveness and God’s, I would be glad to give it. Failing to do so has serious implications (Matthew 6:14-15).