Forgiveness is the Sweetest Revenge
The best strategy that often comes to our minds when offended or erred is either of “an eye for an eye” or “a tooth for a tooth.” People nowadays find it very hard to forgive but very easy to revenge. Erring to people around us in the present world that we live in is very common. Forgiveness is the compassionate act of not having the desire to punish those who offend us in one way or another. Forgiveness is the quality that separates human beings from animals and is essential in overcoming anger inflicted to us by others. Revenge, on the other hand, offers no solution to disputes; it breeds anger and resentment and leads to wars and separations. This paper is meant to discuss forgiveness as the best revenge.
The desire to get even with the person or people who have done us wrong and inflicting to them the same pain they inflicted on us is revenge. Feeling angry when offended is natural and allowed. Resorting to revenge in such occasions only reduces us to the same level as the offenders who in our views are indecent and inconsiderate. Moreover, the desire for revenge blights health and increases stress. The world is currently filled with wars, riots, violence kidnapping, and acts of terror among other vices that are based on revenge. If only forgiveness could be practiced, the world is very peaceful and safe. Revenge is surely not the solution to ending disputes, in fact, it multiplies them.
After revenging and inflicting the pain which was inflicted to one party by the other, the other party will strike back again, since violence only begets violence and cannot undo the harm done. This makes things worse and makes the dispute a repeating cycle whose solution will be found when one party surrenders or is terminated. There is thus no satisfaction earned from revenge.
Many people deem forgiveness very difficult and that it encourages the wrong doers to repeat their offenses over and over again. Forgiveness itself is subjective. Forgiveness is essential in freeing up when offended. It is critical for starting over again and ending endless attacks among disputing parties, since moving forward is impossible when clouded with the thoughts of past issues. It puts to proper use the energy that would have otherwise been consumed in healing wounds, holding grudges, counter attacking, and having resentments.
Forgiveness is the last resort that leads to resolution when there are no more options for ending agony and finding peace of mind. It is an attribute of the strong who can forget the undesirable actions committed against them and overcoming the feeling of revenge. It is neither a weak action nor an act of surrender. It is a virtue practiced by humble people with feelings of compassion in them. It is a difficult yet noble action in times of feeling offended when most people resort to revenge.
In conclusion, forgiveness is the sweetest revenge. It breeds resolutions and provides space for starting over and moving on. It is the best form of revenge than any counter attack ever applied because it makes the offenders suffer from a kind humiliation. It is an act of accepting the facts, forgetting about the past and channeling energy into starting over with a clean slate. Moreover, it puts into good use energy that would have otherwise been consumed by negative actions and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness should not only be preached but also practiced because to err is human and to forgive is divine.
