Should we give people a second chance?

Question

Let's suppose that someone makes a mistake because of his/her character.
And I don’t mean accidents, I mean mistakes like cheating, lying, stealing or anything else that was done due to his character traits.
Of course when the mistake is exposed most of the times people are sorry and they ask for forgiveness.
Do they deserve it?
Did they really regret or do they just say so?
Probably they will do the same thing in similar situation and have more experience in covering it up. In order to change things in your character you have to go through very strong experiences. True remorse is not easy and doesn’t become easier when you get away with no pain from your mistakes.
If they are forgiven what is the lesson that they take?
Everybody (including me) likes second chances.
But should we have it?
Does it make us better or it makes us worse?

Answer 1

Supposing one makes a mistake because of their character there is no second chance for them. As Aristotle says ones character is determined by habitual actions, so given that one acts badly they create for themselves a bad character and a habit of acting badly. Problems of character will be recurring problems and you will find yourself giving a second chance, and then a third and so on. If the person's character is truly good and the mistake truly was a mistake, just a lapse in judgement, it will happen only once. I like to think that moral behavior is something that can be learned by example. If you truly forgive them and give them a second chance asking them not to do the same thing again I would hope they would appreciate your forgiveness, but most people won't. They will see forgiveness as weaknes and try to take advantage of you. But basically you can give a second chance but not a third, repitition of acts defines character.

Answer 2

I think that it depends on the relationship between the two. How severe was the deceit? Did it cost someone physically, emotionally, financially, etc.?

In life, it is a learning process, for everyone. Some people learn their mistakes early on, were others have to "hit rock bottom" numerous times, before they wake up and realize the life they have chosen to live.

The true test is that if you forgive someone, will they commit the same act again? Will you be able to trust what they say or do?

In the past, I tried to make a relationship work, after he had cheated on me. But it was hard, because in the back of my head I kept thinking that he was with another woman when I was not around.

So, how important is this person to you? How much do you value the friendship/relationship; if any is left?

I always say that you can forgive, but it is hard to forget.

Answer 3

Everyone makes mistakes. As long as the behavior stops after the first time, they deserve a second chance. People can prove what kind of character with the improvements they make

Answer 4

whether you do come back jointly, could your relationship be an identical? Relationships require have faith and what he's comprehensive might have destroyed that. If people can cheat as quickly because it shows that they are able to doing it lower back- no longer that they are going to do it lower back for confident, in spite of the fact that it rather is frequently a danger. Plus he took an prolonged time to tell you. If I ever have been given cheated on, i could want him to admit to me right this moment away. average this is your decision, and what I stated is basically meant as a instruction manual. stable luck

Answer 5

I think second chances are ok but not third chances... everyone deserves to make up for what they did wrong...

Answer 6

people make mistakes forgive them the bible says you should forgive 7 times 70 = 490 times

Answer 7

everyone deserves a second chance

Answer 8

Three chances and that's it. That's my creed

Answer 9

fool me once, shame on you but fool me twice and shame on me. ~unknown

Answer 10

second third fourth fifth..........