Retribution

Why is retribution considered to be a bad thing?

Of course, "an eye for an eye and the world goes blind," or so the saying goes. But if a crime is severe enough and the motives evil enough... then certainly retribution would be justified? I cannot conceive of any other means of justice being carried out. How can I make peace with myself knowing that justice will never be served?

Retribution just continues the cycle. I'm not religious, but the teachings of Christ are very valid when it comes to his theories on what works. What he teaches does work and it stops the cycle. (Revenge continues hate).

But I'm thinking about where you are at in your healing. There is a time period during the healing where you do want revenge. I'm thinking that people who want revenge aren't dealing with their anger?

I have to agree with Sannah. If you want revenge, then your anger isn't being dealt with.

There's also a saying "Resentment is the poison I take to kill you." You cannot heal with resentment in your heart. The resentment just eats you inside out. And it doesn't affect the other person at all! They certainly don't know that you resent them -- so all you're doing is killing yourself!

It's much easier and healthier to forgive them, and forget the whole thing. And it's a more Christian thing to do too. When I forgive someone, I feel more at peace with myself and closer to God.

Best of luck! Hugs, Lee

Dear Whoswho,

I understand what you're saying. My abuser...would she still be here if it wasn't for the fact that I do not care enough about her to give up my life for a life in prision? because it isnt about my values when it comes to her. But she cannot take that from me, my life and I realize that just hating her so much is hurting me...sometimes I feel very very sorry for her, but when I think of the cute little kid she tried to destroy I think she should suffer somehow...how can people hurt children over and over? especially when they have the means to get help? the money? access ? and they just dont b/c they dont care?? hard to forgive an empty person like that...but it is never going to go my way...I am working on my anger in therapy...unfortunately in it is coming out in my nightmare (just-cant-win!)...I think there may be some peace ahead...I have to believe that..I just hope I find it and get to live a little before I die. I am so SICK of being angry and confused and hurt. IT SUCKS hang in there....do not make yourself physically ill..it is not worth it to let them keep bringing you down after the abuse is over........anxiety and anger will make you physcially ill...I could go on and on.....I get it. The show Revenge is great for watching somebody get even. What a psycho she is Facing Chains

I forgave my abusers, and still they/he tried to make out it never happened. In forgiving them/him I made something for myself 'a conscience'. So I will never have to worry about 'retribution' coming after myself. Also it really ticks people off when they don't understand how a person can forgive. I guess it 'makes' people think about their actions in future.

Conscience is knowing you have wronged someone. Yes, you will have to
worry.....what a man sows, he reaps. It is God who exacts vengeance..
Only a fool can say I've done no wrong...I know how to forgive....yet they
take no responsibility for their actions.....