The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, in removing revenge from the agenda, brought, to a certain extent, forgiveness and healing to the country. There are reported to be still deep divisions in the country of South Africa. However, the situation would have been far worse, most political commentators agree, if revenge had been left to take it's course. Truth is important, but so is reconciliation.
At a personal level forgiveness also has a profound effect. The psychologists are right on this one. Happiness is closely linked to forgiveness. The truth is that we need to forgive and be forgiven in order to live peaceable and to be reconciled to God.