The idea of revenge can sometimes be sweet, but when it actually happens the end result is always a sense of hollowness. Revenge never changes any past event that causes us pain.
I don't think forgiveness is necessary unless it's actually been earned. What is necessary is truly letting go of the past. If someone has behaved badly and hurt you, it only makes sense to not give them another chance to do the same in the future unless you see a lot of real, tangible evidence that they both feel remorse and have changed for the better. But whether or not that has happened, the primary person harmed when you hold onto hatred and thoughts of revenge is yourself.
By not letting go of a past that cannot be changed we hurt our present and future selves, doing the job of our enemies for them. All humans are capable of doing bad things if we allow our emotions to gain too much power over our rational mind. When one feels negative emotions trying to take control, the only thing to do is push back hard and keep them in their proper place. Otherwise, we risk becoming the very thing we despise.
I don't think forgiveness is necessary unless it's actually been earned. What is necessary is truly letting go of the past. If someone has behaved badly and hurt you, it only makes sense to not give them another chance to do the same in the future unless you see a lot of real, tangible evidence that they both feel remorse and have changed for the better. But whether or not that has happened, the primary person harmed when you hold onto hatred and thoughts of revenge is yourself.
By not letting go of a past that cannot be changed we hurt our present and future selves, doing the job of our enemies for them. All humans are capable of doing bad things if we allow our emotions to gain too much power over our rational mind. When one feels negative emotions trying to take control, the only thing to do is push back hard and keep them in their proper place. Otherwise, we risk becoming the very thing we despise.