I believe a better word for "causes" is "tempts." Abuse certainly leaves you vulnerable, but you still have a choice to pursue bitterness or betterness. This is why two siblings who grew up in the same home with the same parent/s can turn out worlds apart. They both have experienced abuse, but one may choose the path of hardness and cruelty, while the other chooses softness and kindness. There is also a difference between explaining and excusing behavior. These explanations you are providing are very helpful to extend loving kindness to ourselves and others in the violent wake of abuse, but they can't be used as excuses since we are all responsible to govern ourselves.
I believe a better word for "causes" is "tempts." Abuse certainly leaves you vulnerable, but you still have a choice to pursue bitterness or betterness. This is why two siblings who grew up in the same home with the same parent/s can turn out worlds apart. They both have experienced abuse, but one may choose the path of hardness and cruelty, while the other chooses softness and kindness. There is also a difference between explaining and excusing behavior. These explanations you are providing are very helpful to extend loving kindness to ourselves and others in the violent wake of abuse, but they can't be used as excuses since we are all responsible to govern ourselves.
Thank you.
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