I was brought up not to take revenge

When I was a kid, my family raised me to be a Christian. That means they taught me important lessons from the Bible. One big thing I learned is that revenge is wrong. Christians believe you should not try to get back at someone who hurt you. Instead, you should forgive them and move on. This is what Jesus taught, and it's how I try to live my own life now.

Even when someone does something really mean or unfair to me, I don't hold a grudge. I don't try to get even and hurt them back. That would just make me act mean too. It's better to break the cycle of meanness by forgiving. So that's what I do, even if it's hard. I forgive people and leave judgement up to God.

There have been times when kids at school picked on me or said cruel things behind my back. They probably just wanted attention or to feel big. It made me angry and sad to be treated that way. But my faith taught me that reacting with revenge is the wrong path. So instead I prayed for the strength to forgive them. Over time the hurt faded and I could be friendly.

I once had a close friend who suddenly turned on me and started a rumor I had cheated. I was devastated and wanted to defend myself. But revenge would only cause more pain. So I forgave my friend and tried to understand why she did it. I showed her compassion and our friendship slowly mended. Now we are on good terms again.

Even in my family, we have arguments and say things we regret in anger. When my sister calls me names or my parents seem unfair, I could choose to lash out and deepen the hurt. But I take a breath and remember we're only human. I forgive them quickly so we can heal. My family sees I don't hold grudges over disagreements.

Forgiving people who hurt me can be really tough. My natural feelings want to be angry and get even. But my faith teaches me to take the high road instead. I think about how Jesus forgave even the men who crucified him. If he can forgive his enemies, I can forgive my friends who make mistakes. I know I'm not perfect either.

So even when someone hurts me badly, I try to find a way to forgive. It's how I was raised and it's what my Christian values tell me is right. I may need time to cool down when I'm upset. But holding on to grudges only seeds more negativity. Forgiving and moving forward brings the peace and closure I seek.

Forgiving others is often easier said than done. Even though my faith teaches me it's right, my emotions sometimes resist. When I'm really angry or hurt, forgiveness can feel impossible in the moment. I have to actively work to soften my heart through prayer and reframing my perspective.

For instance, if a friend betrays my trust, I may initially want to end the friendship and hold a grudge. But with time and reflection, I can try to empathize and understand what challenges they are facing. Nobody is perfect. If I can be compassionate, it opens the door to reconciliation.

However, forgiveness does not necessarily mean allowing toxic people to remain in my life. I can forgive someone without permitting them to continue harming me. Forgiveness is for my own peace of mind, to let go of bitterness. But I can still protect myself by limiting contact with those who refuse to change hurtful patterns.

Learning to forgive is a lifelong practice. I have to re-commit to it every time I'm wronged. My parents and faith community set me on this path by teaching me not to harbor resentments. But it's my daily choice to follow those lessons.

When I struggle to forgive, I pray for help to soften my anger and see the humanity in those who hurt me. I try to put myself in their shoes. And I remember that just as I want grace, so do they. With time and effort, forgiveness gets easier.

I hope I can teach my own children one day to forgive others as they want to be forgiven. The world needs more compassion and reconciliation. If we nurture understanding and empathy in the next generation, they can spread the practice of forgiveness. Small acts of grace in families and communities can ripple out to change society.

Though the path of forgiveness is often difficult, walking it brings me closer to the person I strive to be. I know I will continue learning how to forgive for my entire life. Each time I overcome anger with compassion, I grow in spirit. Forgiveness breeds inner freedom - freedom to move forward unburdened by grudges. That freedom is worth all the effort.