Should you forgive those who wronged you?

The answer is Yes.

But what is actually forgiveness?

Should you forgive and take no action against the perpetrator(s) ?

The answer is No.

Forgiveness means you do not hold grudge against that person. But it is your duty to report to the authorities if a crime has been committed. If you do not report it, you are disobeying your country's criminal code.

A crime committed against you is considered a crime committed against the society and country.

You do not forgive and forget a person who raped your daughter or murdered your loved ones. You may eventually not hold a grudge against him personally but it is your duty to report this crime to the authorities!

OK. Those are crimes listed in your country's criminal code. But what about non-criminal wrongs?

If a wrong has been committed against you,

• take the lawful and rightful action e.g. make a complaint or report against the perpetrator(s).
• demand that the perpetrator(s) apologise or make amend or compensation
• if he refuses, downgrade your relationship with him e.g. 
• not being his friend, 
• not on talking terms with him, 
• do not give him any cooperation etc.
• If he apologizes and make amends,
• do not forgive him immediately
• tell him that he is under observation for a period of time
• tell you will only forgive him if he does not repeat his mistakes

Do not make it easy for him to get away with his mistakes. You need to send a strong message to him that you are very unhappy with his actions/behavior.

Why?

• We want to make him think about the consequences of his actions/behavior
• We want him to think hard and think twice before attempting doing it again against us or others
• We are teaching him an invaluable lesson on how to live with others in a harmonious society
• We do not want him to think that his wrongs against us is nothing
• We do not want him to think that such wrongs are easily forgiven and forgotten.