Does forgiveness really help

Does forgiving someone for something they did to you really help you? I believe that the phrase “forgive and forget” has been used in the past but needs clarification. Any thoughts on this?

Forgiving someone means that in your heart you hold no ill will towards that person.

Forgetting about what they did means you are condemned to repeat such foolishness and you set yourself up for getting used/hurt/beytrayed etc.

I have often read and/or heard that one should not close their heart or mind and be open to people. Even if they have been hurt/used/betrayed by someone previously. Doesn't this leave a person wide open to again get hurt/used/betrayed?

I have always been of the mindset that if someone does not "like" you or want your friendship that you should just keep shining your light on someone else until they shine it back. But sadly I have learned the hard way that your openness to someone leaves you as vulnerable as an open port on your computer ready willing and able for some hacker to gain access to your heart and soul.

I have learned that being hurt by someone close, who you admired and loved deeply, makes for one to be cautious, very cautious of people and therefore move more toward being introverted, secluded and distrustful.

Sorry for the long post. Can someone please help me understand why these things happen to good people. Tweet