Must we forgive those who have hurt others?

[Sillara]

I have always wondered about this, and it affects my life now quite seriously.

I understand and have no quarrel with or question about the teaching of forgiving those who have wronged us, no matter how heinous the wrong. My question is, what is required of us regarding those who have wronged others. For example, someone very close to me was horribly abused as a child and was left in the position of being abused by those who were supposed to be taking care of him. I find that I wish ill to those who did this, even if that “ill” is merely justice.

Is this wrong?

 

[Augusta_Crowley]

These links should be helpful for understanding the teachings of the Church about forgiving others. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

**Recommended Reading:
**If I forgive a person who has harmed me, is he forgiven by God?
The Limits of Forgiveness