In my work with prisoners, I saw that even the judicial system isn't clear about punishment, retribution, rehabilitation and forgiveness. It appeared to be a very muddy area. No-one could tell me exactly what the aims were in putting people in prison, and a prison record was always a barrier to finding work, no matter how remorseful the ex-inmate. The idea of pardoning people who hurt one personally is one thing, but we are all members of society which punishes wrongdoers in our name, so the wider picture does apply. I don't find anger and non-forgiveness damaging personally; as has been said above, it reinforces my moral compass and my standards of behaviour. Such a lot to reflect upon! As I told the vicar yesterday, one can always pray humbly for enlightenment and guidance, which I do, as my religious exam score would be 5/10 for effort, but 1/10 for success!