Letter: It’s better to forgive and forget

I'm writing about forgiveness, or the lack thereof.

It says in the Bible that we are supposed to forgive those who trespass against us or we will not be forgiven by God for our trespasses we commit against him.

In my lifetime I've had many people say and do things to hurt me. However I have forgiven them and hold no grudges against them. I can't understand how someone can expend the energy it takes to hold grudges or to hate someone for one, 10 or even 40 years.

Doesn't anyone understand that people can change? That the most vile, vindictive person can change into a caring, loving, Christian person who would never say or do anything to hurt another individual?

When the woman in the Bible was caught in the act of adultery and the mob was going to stone her, what did Jesus say? 'He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” They dropped their rocks and left.

Wouldn't it be a better world if all of us could forgive and forget, get on with our lives and pay kindnesses forward instead of repaying insult for insult?

Christine J. Downs

Cedar Rapids