There is a Chinese Proverb that states: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” Revenge is an uncontrollable monster. Not only will it ruin your peace of mind, but it also increases the chances of future retaliation. If you applied the principle “an eye for an eye,” you stand the risk of fueling revenge that doesn’t offer finality to a problem.

While it’s necessary to punish those who break the law, a fair punishment weakens the revengeful nature and creates a systematic approach to handle similar threats. In essence, forgiveness can reduce the cycle of revenge. It takes more courage to lay aside hatred and hurt than to take justice into your own hands.