Sunday, November 3, 2013

Revenge vs Forgiveness

"Hello, My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!"



Have you watched Princess Bride?  It's one of our family favorites!  There are several lines from that movie that our family loves to quote, and that line is one of our favorites to repeat, especially when we see Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya) on another show.  It's so fun to say, though it really doesn't mean anything to us personally. It doesn't ever bring out the evil in us, instead it brings a laugh and fun moments to share together once again.
Because we like this character and that quote so well, we checked out the interview that was found on the Yahoo Home Page the other day. (HERE)
It was well worth the time.  We got to hear him say his line again, but we heard something else that was important and profound.
There is another line in the movie, that may not be as fun to say, (though I think we've quoted it a time or two too) but the message behind it is important to learn.
 "I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it is over, I do not know what to do with the rest of my life."
The actor expounded a bit more, saying (if I heard him correctly) "the purpose of revenge ... is completely worthless and pointless, and the purpose of existence is to embrace our fellow human beings, not be revengeful, and turn our darkness into light."
It is always awesome to hear good things from actors and actresses that we enjoy so much.  This is a good message to remember, and now maybe we will be able to recall that message and quote another line when we think about the movie Princess Bride.

Maybe we can become more aware of what business we are in and make sure it is something that we want to do with the rest of our lives.
It would be best if revenge had no part in it.

---
"When we are out for revenge we blame, accuse, and provoke others to wrath and then we blame them for it."  
This quote from A Change of Heart.


---
Revenge is returning sin for sin!


---



---
“We need to recognize and acknowledge angry feelings. It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us ‘to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10] for our own good because ‘hatred retards spiritual growth’ [Orson F. Whitney, Gospel Themes (1914), 144]. Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts. …
“… When tragedy strikes, we should not respond by seeking personal revenge but rather let justice take its course and then let go. It is not easy to let go and empty our hearts of festering resentment. The Savior has offered to all of us a precious peace through His Atonement, but this can come only as we are willing to cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, or revenge. For all of us who forgive ‘those who trespass against us’ [Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 6:13], even those who have committed serious crimes, the Atonement brings a measure of peace and comfort”
(“The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 69).
Complete message found here.
---