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John_C said:

What is the definition of 'forget' here?

Putting the offense behind us and not bringing it up again. Not allowing it to be an ongoing obstacle in our relationship. Making a commitment to let go of the anger, hurt, and pain over this offense.

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John C. writes:

For instance, say if someone snipes behind your back in a gossipy, critical way. You confront the person and he/she apologize and ask forgiveness. You forgive them, but later you find he/she doing the same type of sniping. Before confronting he/she again do you ignore the previous offense, and treat this as the first time.

IOW, what do you do with a person when he/she is willing to apologize and ask forgiveness for the individual offense, but do not see the need to repent (or get help) in their sinful pattern of behavior.

In my opinion we should always be ready to forgive (see Matt. 18:22) but if the individual continues to do what they previously confessed we should confront them and point out how meaningless their previous apology was. It's hard to put behind you what continues to happen. Their actions demonstrate an unrepentant attitude and that they cannot be trusted. In such cases it isn't a matter of remembering their former offenses so much as pointing out that they haven't truly repented of this offense. In fact it has become a habitual offensive action.

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John C. Writes:

How do we discern if the person is genuinely sorry, or that they just got caught.

That's a really good question. It can be hard to tell unless we see a change in attitude and actions regarding the previous offense. Sometimes getting caught can be the pathway to true repentance too.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts