Why should we bother to forgive someone who feels they have done nothing wrong?

Question

Isn't there something to be said for being put off by that which is unjust? Shouldn't we be angry about some things? There are certain things in life that are just wrong...murder, rape, molestation, child abuse... does it help any of us to forgive these kinds of trespasses especially when such a monster feels they have every right to be doing the horrible acts they do?

I understand that forgiveness is mostly for the benefit of the forgiver so they will not be locked in anger and resentment. But do we sometimes take forgiveness too far because it is easier than facing and dealing with the horror that some people do?

Answer 1

Forgiveness indeed is a very powerful ingredient in healing, dealing and moving on. It is the one thing that had some of the people that committed these monstrous acts had of truly done then they would not have never allowed themselves to embrace the path of such hurtful and damaging behavior The theory is that rape, murder, molestation, physical abuse against humans, children, and animals is all about control, for the victim to inform the perpetrator that they forgive them is a way that the victim reclaims , affirms their control and reinforces their control. The key thing that these perpetrators did not feel they had in their lives was and is control and a part of breaking the cycle is forgiveness and installing mettle and drive to do and continue to do the right thing including repaying their debt too society and not making any more victims and potential perpetrators.

In answer too your question do we have a right too let these matters slip by and ignore them. We as a society have limited resources and knowledge about these type of people and issues and it is important that we bring help in to the victims and the victims families. It is important that the perpetrators know that once out it will be forgiven but not forgotten and that they need to work hard and reach out to stop people like them from damaging others.

Answer 2

You make some very good points. Yes, forgiveness is sometimes easier for the forgiver. Sometimes it is harder. In the end, NOT forgiving will really make you sick if you hold all that anger in and dwell on it.

The Lord's Prayer says, "Forgive us AS WE FORGIVE others."

I see what you mean about the monsters who feel they did nothing wrong.
It's a hard thing, isn't it?

You can forgive them but send them to prison for the rest of their lives. That is how I feel.

I wish you well, messageoflove.

Answer 3

Should we pick and choose what we should forgive ? In the Lod's prayer, we ask the Father to forgive us our sins, depts, or tresspasses as we forgive those who sin or tresspass against us. If we dont forgive, we wont be forgiven. But why just end it there. Why not forgive because we want to forgive. Insted of forgiving else we wont be forgiven.

Answer 4

IMO it's taken too far too often.
Like you say there are horrible acts that should not be forgiven; like the Holocaust .

But also as you say it does more for the forgiver, so if helps him/her go on, let it be.

Answer 5

I'd probably agree with you, but yet I'm so moved by the Amish and their ability to forgive -- especially after the slaughter of those 6 girls. I guess I don't know :)

Answer 6

The things in your heart will influence the things that you think and do. To follow Jesus your heart must be pure, without hatred, resentment, or bigotry. Your body is not your life, your spirit is your life, do not fear them thatt can kill the body, but fear them which can kill both body and soul.

Answer 7

I forgive my children for misbehaving but I still hold them accountable

Answer 8

Jesus forgives inconsiderate and stupid people and they go to heaven, and heaven will be full of those kind, and if you go to heaven guess what.

Answer 9

i think that it is easier for us if we DON'T forgive because it'll be easier to find someone to blame for our problems. like you said, we don't forgive for others, we forgive for ourselves. it is infact harder to forgive someone for raping you than it is to stay mad at them.

Answer 10

because you're better than that person