If we say that monsters [people who do terrible evil] are…
![“If we say that monsters [people who do terrible evil] are beyond forgiving, we give them a power they should never have...they are given the power to keep their evil alive in the hearts of those who suffered most. We give them power to condemn their victims to live forever with the hurting memory…” quote by Lewis B. Smedes](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/73a/lewis-b-smedes-4850_alive_if-we-say-that-monsters-people-who-do-te_940482.png)
“If we say that monsters [people who do terrible evil] are beyond forgiving, we give them a power they should never have...they are given the power to keep their evil alive in the hearts of those who suffered most. We give them power to condemn their victims to live forever with the hurting memory of their painful pasts. We give the monsters the last word.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Warns that refusing to forgive gives wrongdoers lasting influence over victims’ emotions and narratives.
In simple terms: Forgiving prevents monsters from controlling our hearts.
Key Takeaway
Practice forgiveness to reclaim emotional freedom.
Themes
forgiveness
healing
power dynamics
memory
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal therapy
- conflict resolution
- community healing
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
emotional resilience
spiritual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What does forgiveness mean to you?
- How can we let go without condoning wrongdoing?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness can be difficult when trauma is severe.