Forgiving Your Enemies
In a society where disagreements and misunderstandings are unavoidable, people hold different views on what it means to truly forgive an enemy. Is forgiveness a gift we offer to set ourselves free, or does it let others avoid taking responsibility for their actions? For some, forgiveness comes easily, a practice rooted in personal beliefs or spiritual teachings. For others, the act of forgiving is much harder and feels like a compromise of self-respect.
Senior Molly Heddle believes forgiveness shouldn’t be automatic, especially when the harm caused is intentional. She points out that if people aren’t held accountable, forgiving can sometimes feel like accepting an apology that wasn’t genuine. “When we forgive people, we’re not making them…really apologize,” Molly said, adding that the urge to forgive quickly can lead to “sweeping things under the rug” instead of confronting wrongdoing. For her, forgiveness can feel like a way to downplay someone’s harmful choices, which undermines self-respect. “If you’ve wronged me…I’m not just going to forgive you because it’s what I should do,” she said. Molly’s stance highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and standing up for oneself, even if it means withholding forgiveness.
In contrast, some people find that forgiving others provides them with a sense of peace and closure. One anonymous student shares how her faith has influenced her journey toward forgiveness. “I dealt with hate for a really, really long time,” she said, explaining that learning to forgive helped her let go of the anger that was consuming her. She emphasizes that forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean staying close to those who have caused harm. “You can forgive them while not…entertaining their presence,” she said, believing it’s possible to find personal peace without reestablishing trust. For her, forgiveness is more about self-healing than reconciliation, showing how one can forgive yet still protect one’s emotional well-being.
Finally, Lucas Zahrt, 11, reflects on forgiveness as a path toward understanding and connection. He talks about how his relationship with his siblings taught him the value of letting go of grudges. Lucas believes that “if you hold on to grudges, there’s no way it will get better,” arguing that embracing forgiveness helps people learn and grow. Forgiveness, to Lucas, isn’t about denying harm but about recognizing the humanity in others. “You need to accept that some people are different…and still be friends with them,” he says, illustrating how forgiveness can foster empathy even after conflict.
These differing perspectives reveal the complexity of forgiveness and what it takes to truly “love your enemy.” Whether holding others accountable, healing oneself, or seeking understanding, each approach brings its form of growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, forgiveness might mean different things to different people, but in every case, it’s about finding a way forward that honors one’s own values and boundaries.