Feels Quote by Lewis B. Smedes
“Vengeance is having a videotape planted in your soul that cannot be turned off. It plays the painful scene over and over again inside your mind...And each time it plays you feel the clap of pain again...Forgiving turns off the videotape of pained memory Forgiving sets you free.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Forgiveness, Lewis B. Smedes, 1995
Holding onto vengeance is like a looping video of pain that never stops, while forgiveness cuts the loop and releases the mind.
In simple terms: Vengeance repeats pain; forgiveness stops it.
Key Takeaway
Choose forgiveness to end mental torment.
Themes
forgiveness
mental health
pain
release
self‑compassion
Mood
sad
hopeful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- relationship conflict
- personal grief
- addiction recovery
- stress management
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional regulation
trauma healing
Questions to Reflect On
- What pain keeps you replaying?
- How could forgiveness change your daily experience?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness may be difficult when the offender shows no remorse.
