The final point of Pope Francis' reflection on the practical steps to show mercy towards others is forgiveness. "Forgive and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) God shows us his mercy through the forgiveness of all our sins, even the ones we are most ashamed of. At the same time, he expects and even commands us to do the same. Jesus goes so far as to say when we go to worship and recall that we harbor non forgiveness towards another, we must first go and be reconciled. Then when we offer our gift to the Lord, he will receive it. The implication is that our gift is meaningless to the Lord if it does not flow from a contrite and forgiving heart.

Jesus goes on to say that if we refuse to forgive another, then we are telling God not to forgive us. In fact, we say that directly every time we pray the Our Father. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."  We are open to receive God's tender mercy to the extend we are merciful to others through forgiveness.