[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 8-1] Forgiving and Peace

[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 8 Understanding and Forgiving Others]

[8-1] Forgiving and Peace

 

◆ Learning Objectives

1. Understand the meaning of forgiveness and its relationship to peace.

2. Recognize the necessity of forgiveness through various examples.

3. Explore ways to apply and practice forgiveness in daily life.

 

◆ Achieving Peace Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness and Peace: The Story of Kim Phuc

Kim Phuc was hiding with her family in the Cao Dai Temple during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972. Suddenly, they heard urgent shouts from soldiers, "Get out of here!" Moments later, a napalm bomb hit the temple, engulfing the village in flames. The fire spread to Kim Phuc's left arm. In terror, she ripped off her burning clothes and ran into the street, screaming before losing consciousness. This scene was captured by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut.

In May 1996, Kim Phuc was invited to speak at a Memorial Day ceremony for Vietnam War veterans. During her speech, she forgave those who bombed her village, urging everyone to move past their pain and work towards peace. In the audience was John Plummer, the pilot who had dropped the napalm bomb. He approached Kim Phuc, sobbing, and confessed, "It was me. I bombed your village 24 years ago. I am so sorry." Kim Phuc responded, "It's okay. I forgive you." The audience was moved to tears, witnessing this powerful moment of forgiveness and reconciliation. (*Note: This is a personal act of forgiveness, not between nations.)

Image from Pixabay

What is Forgiveness? 

Everyone experiences injustices and emotional wounds at some point. We may be harmed or lose loved ones due to someone’s actions, prompting a desire for revenge. These feelings are natural, and it’s necessary to hold wrongdoers accountable through laws and principles to prevent recurrence. However, beyond legal punishment or revenge, we have another option: forgiveness.

Image from Pixabay

The Relationship Between Forgiveness and Peace

Forgiveness begins with recognizing that we, too, are imperfect and capable of causing pain to others. Just as others have hurt us, we have also hurt others. Imagine if everyone sought revenge for every wrong—life would be miserable. Expecting forgiveness while refusing to forgive others is unreasonable. To be forgiven, we must also forgive others for their mistakes and faults.

To forgive, we must consider that the harm caused may not have been intentional. We often assume that others' actions are deliberate and malicious, thinking, "Why did they do this to me? They must pay for this!" Yet, when we err, we often excuse ourselves due to circumstances or reasons. Recognizing this double standard helps us move toward forgiveness.

While clear crimes like war, murder, sexual assault, and fraud require legal consequences and strict prevention measures, many interpersonal wrongs result from complex situations or uncontrolled emotions rather than malicious intent. Understanding this helps us open the path to forgiveness.

Image from Pixabay

Why is Forgiveness Necessary?

If we respond to violence with violence, hatred with hatred, and anger with anger, violence will never end. Wrongdoing must be rejected in all forms. We need to break the cycle of endless revenge. While history cannot be changed, we can choose a new perspective and attitude toward the past—one of forgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to end past wrongs and start a new world of peace. Someone must take the first step toward this change.

Forgiveness is vital for peace. It involves understanding, empathy, and letting go of grudges. By forgiving, we break the cycle of retaliation and pave the way for a more harmonious and peaceful society. Let us strive to embrace forgiveness, fostering a culture of peace for future generations.

◆ Reflection

1. Reflect on times you have forgiven others and when others have forgiven you. Share your experiences and thoughts.

2. Discuss why forgiveness is essential for achieving peace.