According to Paul in his letter to Philemon, forgiveness should not be by compulsion but by

According to Paul in his letter to Philemon, forgiveness should not be by compulsion but by free will. Paul urges Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, not because he has to, but because he chooses to do so willingly. Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness being a voluntary act of the heart rather than something that is forced upon us. In this way, forgiveness becomes a genuine expression of love and grace, rather than a begrudging obligation. Furthermore, Paul points out that forgiveness is ultimately possible because of God's grace and the justification we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. As we have experienced the forgiveness and love of God in our own lives, we are empowered to extend that same forgiveness and love to others.