When you refuse to forgive
On the grounds that you would not Be fair to yourself. Forgiving is the only way to be fair to yourself. Getting even is a loser's game. It is the ultimate frustration Because it leaves you with more pain than you got in the first place. The only way to heal the pain That will not heal itself Is to forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiving stops the reruns of pain. When you release the wrongdoer From the wrong, You cut a malignant tumor Out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, But you discover that the real prisoner Was yourself. (From the book Forgive and Forget by Lewis B. Smedes)