Loving one’s enemies is absurd to  disbelievers;  those for whom the  present life is everything see in  their enemies only noxious beings who disturb their peace-of-mind, and from whom they believe only death can free them. Hence the desire for vengeance; they have no interest in forgiving unless it is to satisfy their pride in the eyes of the world. In certain cases, forgiveness even seems to them like a weakness unworthy of them. Even if they do not seek outright revenge, they nevertheless harbor rancor and a secret desire for evil.

For believers – and especially for Spiritists – the way of seeing things is different because they consider both the past and the future, between which their present life is only a dot. They know that, because of the very destiny of the earth, they must expect to meet up with evil and perverse people; that the wickedness of which they are the target makes up part of the trials they must undergo, and their elevated point of view renders the vicissitudes less bitter, whether they come from things or other people. If they do not complain about their trials, they must not murmur against those  who serve  as  their instruments.  If, instead of complaining, they thank God for putting them to the test, they should thank the hand that furnishes them the opportunity to prove their patience and resignation. This thought naturally disposes them to forgiveness. Moreover, they feel that the more generous they are, the more uplifted they are in their own eyes, and they find themselves to be beyond the reach of malevolent attacks from their enemies.

Persons who occupy elevated positions in the world do not feel offended by the insults of those whom they regard as their inferiors. The same applies in the moral world for those who lift themselves above materialistic humanity. They understand that hate and rancor degrade and debase them; therefore, to be above their adversaries, they must have a bigger, nobler and more generous soul.