should I forgive?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

I know this isn’t about college, but I’m really confused and need help.

I found out today that when I was young my dad was verbally abusive to my mom, who is the most wonderful person ever. All I really remember is them fighting sometimes and trying to distract my younger sister. But now my sister (15 yrs) is in and out of psych hospitals and suicidal, and it’s become clear that it’s because of my dad. I had no idea their situation had been this bad, and my mom (a christian strongly against divorce) admitted that she stayed with my dad mainly because of me and my sister.

It seems pretty obvious by this that I should hate my dad, but I’ve always been kind of a ‘daddy’s girl’, and 90% of my memories of him are of him being gentle and kind.

So my question is: should I love or hate my father?

2

There’s no reason to emotion. Even if you tell yourself you should hate your father, it won’t be that easy. In any case, I think it is always better to forgive. Even if you hold a grudge against your father now, will your sister get better? As long as he is better as a person now, you should be focused on helping your sister get better. Good luck.