Do We Want Justice or Revenge: The Tension Between Anger and Forgiveness

That is the question at the heart of the matter, and it is not as simple as it seems. On one hand, we may crave justice for the wrongs that have been done to us. We may want the person who harmed us to be punished in some way, to feel our pain reflected back to them. This is the desire for revenge. On the other hand, we may want what is best for all involved, even if that means forgiving those who have hurt us. This is the desire for reconciliation.

The call to justice is powerful, and it can be overwhelming. But it is not always what we need or wants in the long run. It can be used as a way to perpetuate the same cycle of violence and abuse that we were once subjected to. In my own life, I have found that forgiving others has made me a better person and helped me heal from deep wounds in my past. If you find yourself wanting revenge instead of reconciliation, ask yourself what you are seeking to heal and how forgiving others can help you. If forgiveness is not something that feels right for you, don’t force it. Let your heart guide you.

Anger is a natural response to being wronged. We feel the heat of fury in our chests, the sting of humiliation in our eyes. It can be overpowering, all-consuming. But what are our options for dealing with our anger? Do we lash out and seek revenge? Or do we forgive, even if the other person doesn't deserve it? In this blog post, we explore the tension between anger and forgiveness. We'll discuss the different motivations behind seeking justice or revenge, and ask whether one is more beneficial than the other.

1. What does it mean to forgive?

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize that the prisoner was you.

- Lewis B. Smedes

One of the most misinterpreted words in the English language is forgiveness. Many people think that forgiving someone means that you condone their bad behaviour or that you're weak. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a gift that you give to yourself. It's about releasing the anger, bitterness and resentment that you're holding on to. When you forgive someone, it doesn't mean that what they did was right or that you have to invite them back into your life. It simply means that you're choosing to let go of the pain and anger that's been hurting you for so long.

2. What does it mean to seek revenge?

Seeking revenge is often motivated by a desire to right a wrong. When we feel wronged, it can be difficult to let go of that anger and hurt. We may want to make the person who hurt us suffer as much as we are suffering. Seeking revenge is a way of trying to take back control of our lives. It can also be a way of showing the world that we won't be messed with. Unfortunately, seeking revenge rarely leads to the closure we hope for. In fact, it often causes more pain and bitterness.

3. What does it mean to forgive and seek revenge?

What does it mean to forgive and seek revenge? Forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for an offence while seeking revenge is taking retaliatory action against someone. Revenge usually entails inflicting harm or harm's equivalent upon the person who harmed you. Many people struggle with the decision to pursue justice or revenge, as both options have their own unique set of pros and cons. Some people may find it difficult to forgive someone who has hurt them, while others may feel that seeking revenge will only lead to more bloodshed and violence. In the end, it's up to each individual to decide what they believe is the best course of action.

4. Why should you forgive?

Forgiveness doesn't mean that what happened is okay. It doesn't mean that you're forgetting what happened or that you're excusing the behaviour. Forgiveness is simply a way to let go of the anger and resentment you're feeling. It's a way to free yourself from the pain and bitterness of the past. When you forgive someone, you're not saying that what they did was right. You're simply saying that you're not going to let them control your life anymore. You're choosing to move on and let go.

5. Why shouldn't you forgive?

Forgiving someone who has hurt you is difficult. It's even harder when you don't think the person deserves it. But forgiving someone doesn't mean that you're condoning their behaviour or letting them off the hook. It means that you're choosing to let go of the anger and bitterness that are holding you back. Resentment is the equivalent of consuming poison and expecting the other person to perish. It only hurts you in the end. So why should you forgive? Because it sets you free.