Just because someone has done something negative doesn't mean that they really have to suffer

"Ask yourself, “Is there anybody out there that you really do have trouble feeling goodwill [mettā] for?” And some faces will probably pop into your mind. Then ask yourself, “What would you gain from this person’s suffering?” And part of you may say, “Well, they deserve to suffer.” The Buddha never says anything about people deserving to suffer or not deserving to suffer. He simply speaks in terms of actions that lead to suffering and actions that lead to happiness. Everybody’s mix of actions is very complex. And just because someone has done something negative doesn’t mean that they really have to suffer. After all, the Buddha’s teachings are all about putting an end to all suffering, “deserved” or not."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Unsentimental Goodwill"

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