Forgiveness

I have been reading the parable of the "Prodigal Son" the last few days. It is probably the most famous of all the parables Jesus told. The reason for the story is that the scribes and Pharisees were criticizing Jesus for eating with the "sinners".So Jesus tells this memorable story to show that His celebrating the kingdom of God with the outcasts was an earthly reflection of a heavenly reality, He says "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents".The whole story is about forgiveness and healing. The father of the prodigal son celebrates his sons return home there is music and dancing, the best robe is put on the son, a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. What a marvelous picture is presented to us. And I have come to realize that we are never more like God Himself than when we show forgiveness and mercy to other people. Micah the old testament prophet says of God that He "delights to show mercy".How can we show mercy how can we live out this kind of forgiveness in our own lives today, what will it look like?