Recently, VA Tech held a special event for the 10th anniversary of the shooting in which 33 people died. I realize that people are still upset over what happened, but the news media and everyone else acts like the shooter did not die. Well, he did. I may not be popular, but he too was a victim.
I realize that he shot and killed 32 people and I do not want to take anything away from that. Cho chose to take those guns and kill those people. I say he was a victim because I believe this was 100% spiritual. Cho chose to believe the lies that Satan was whispering in his ear and he will now spend an eternity in Hell and then the Lake of Fire unless he repented in those last seconds and became saved which I seriously doubt or he would not have killed himself.
If any of those people that were shot by Cho or if their families were/are Christian, then they should understand forgiveness. It might be harder for a nonbeliever to forgive, but even now Medical and Psychology professionals are starting to realize the benefits of forgiving.
Just so we are clear, forgiving is not forgetting. There are so many people that think if I forgive someone then I have to forget what they did. No you do not. What forgiveness means is that you are pardoning the offender and that you are letting go of that offense and you give up any claim for compensation of the offense. It does not mean that you are condoning the offense, or pretending the offense never happened, or allowing others to take advantage of you, or pardoning with no valid basis.
If you are a Christian and claim to be saved, then you are required to forgive.
Matthew 6:14-15 New International Version (NIV)
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Colossians 3:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Luke 17:3-4 New International Version (NIV)
3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Whether you are Christian or not, I urge you to forgive. It will help you to recover in so many ways such as bringing you peace, less anxiety, less anger, healthier relationships, improved health, less depression, and higher self-esteem. Whether you are a believer or nonbeliever, I urge you to put aside everything and pray to God to help you forgive.