Forgiveness: A Soldier's Decision Between Morale and Self-Interest

   If a parent tells the child to do something and the child refuses, it is often punished- therefore, the child obeys. The same basic principle follows in the example of a commander telling a soldier to kill an unarmed mother and child. Following the orders of the commander does not result  in the happiness of the soldier, necessarily. A soldier obeying his commander should be forgiven, with the reasoning that- just as all humans do- the soldier was protecting his own self through obeying. Yes, the soldier committed an atrocious act, and that's something that he will be forced to live with for the rest of his life. Yes, he should be forgiven. Self-interest is human nature and will automatically be followed due to instinct. He was protecting himself. The mere fact that he will live with the pain of such an act is punishment enough; not forgiving him would be a pointless form of punishment that is completely unnecessary.