People are slow to praise but quick to criticize

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4: At some point in our lives we all do things we regret and make choices that leave us questioning our morals and ethics, or spend the rest of our lives hoping that no-one will ever find out about those things we’ve done that we’d rather keep hidden.

Some blunders are bigger than others and some are more hurtful and detrimental to others.

But no matter how miniscule or grand, how willing are we to forgive the perpetrator?

If we were raised with a religious background, we were taught to forgive and to keep forgiving.

But just how easy or difficult is it to forgive those who have done us wrong? I suppose that is determined by one’s level of spirituality.

Forgiveness

Do we tend to prioritize the act done against us and make a decision on our level of forgiveness based on who actually did us wrong?

Can we forgive our relative for stealing jewellery from us, yet go after the stranger who did the same and expect the full force of the law to be administered to him when caught?

Can we forgive the stranger who murdered our loved one or are we more likely to forgive if the act was committed by a relative? Or is this one act of wrongdoing that we don’t forgive regardless of who did it?

Can a lie that costs a co-worker her job ever be forgiven? How do we forgive?

I am always amazed at the strength of a parent, for instance, who stands before the public and pronounces their forgiveness toward the one who took the life of their loved one. I believe they are some of the strongest people in the world.

I always want to know where these people find their stamina to hold up and hold on. Could enough justice ever be served?

For how long should one who has done wrong to others be punished — and what should that punishment be?

Wrongdoing

Is it alright for the perpetrator of wrongdoing to move on with his life when those he has hurt suffer for a lifetime? What should happen to that co-worker who lied?

I’m sure many will agree that we live on an island home where people are slow to praise and remember your successes and quick to remind people of their faults and the wrongs they’ve done.

We do something well and people tell us for that moment how proud they are of us. We do something wrong and they remind us forever.

How do we uplift each other while allowing those who have done wrong to make restitution to those they have aggrieved?

 Nicholas ‘Nick’ Harney will be my special guest on Generations on Monday, April 9 and he will share his personal story and help us all to understand how one goes through the transformation of being a menace to society and a detriment to himself to walking a road of change.

• Shawnette Somner is the host of Generations, which airs on DeFontes’ Broadcasting Company’s MIX106 FM. 7.30pm-9pm every Monday. Call in live during the show on 295-1061.  Please note the e-mail address has changed. Send comments and show ideas to the new e-mail address [email protected]  Also note that Generations has moved from 1450AM Gold to MIX 106 FM.