It is certainly easier to ignore or condone sin than to forgive it. Doubtless, that is why the world adopts this stance.  Those who ignore or condone sin need make no judgment about the sinner.  Those who forgive hold him guilty, rebuke him, call him to repentance, and on confession of sin, promise never to bring up the matter again.  Forgivers, in contrast to condoners, become deeply involved with the sinner – at every point of his sin.  They seek to do him good at great cost to themselves.  Forgiving is not easy; it costs.

From Forgiven to Forgiving by Jay Adams