They admire his ability to forgive, but cannot understand what compelled him. They always go blank when the subject of forgiveness comes up, he says, and seem more comfortable focusing on the drama of his abduction and the details of his torture. When we are wronged, we can either respond by seeking revenge, or we can forgive. If we choose revenge, our lives will be consumed by anger. When vengeance is served, it leaves one empty.
Anger is a hard urge to satisfy and can become habitual.
But forgiveness allows us to move on. There is also a more compelling reason to forgive. Forgiveness is a gift - it is mercy. It is a gift that I have received and also given away. In both cases, it has been completely satisfying.