I think forgiveness is a choice. Even if the consequence(s) of what happened still is present, you can choose to allow it to continue to hurt you. And you know if you are free from the hurt if you have happiness and peace in spite of it all. This is where God steps in and acts like a magnet, absorbing all the negative so we don't have to bare the weight. We have to decide that we want to let go though and open that door for God to lend a hand.