Parenting on Pointਨਮੂਨਾ

Teaching Children About Forgiveness

There cannot be any healthy relationship without forgiveness. The only reason we can have a relationship with Jesus Christ is because He forgives us over and over. Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, and as parents, it's essential that we teach our children how to forgive others just as God forgives us. Living in close quarters with family members can often lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and conflicts. Forgiveness helps to restore broken relationships and brings healing to both parties involved. It’s not just a lesson for our children but a daily practice for ourselves as well.

To teach forgiveness, start by modeling it in your own life. When you make a mistake, apologize to your children and ask for their forgiveness. This shows them that everyone, including parents, needs grace and forgiveness. It also opens the door for honest communication and sets a powerful example of humility. Explain to your children that forgiveness is not about excusing bad behavior or forgetting the hurt; it’s about releasing the bitterness and choosing to love.

In my most frustrated moments, I (Grace) would yell at the kids for disobeying, or being too loud, or sometimes just being kids. If I weren’t asking for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control) every day, then my flesh would show up instead. I would immediately feel convicted when I saw the look on their faces. If I ignored that conviction, I would be communicating that they were allowed to blow up as well, and the house would get more and more chaotic. If I apologized and gave myself a time-out to calm down, they always forgave me and could see that I needed Jesus to help me, just like they did.

Create an environment where forgiveness is encouraged. When conflicts arise between siblings, guide them through the process of saying, “I’m sorry,” and “I forgive you.” Encourage empathy by asking them how they would feel if they were in the other person’s shoes. Help them understand that forgiveness is not just about words but about the heart. Did they really mean that they were sorry, and did the other person really forgive them, or were they just going through the motions?

Teach your children to pray for those who have hurt them. Praying for someone who has caused pain can be a powerful step toward genuine forgiveness. It shifts the focus from hurt to healing and invites God to work in both hearts involved.

Use stories from the Bible, such as the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) or the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers (Genesis 45), to illustrate the importance of forgiveness. Discuss these stories with your children and ask them what they think about the actions of those involved.

Dear Father, thank you for forgiving me. Please help me to be a model of forgiveness to my children. Teach us to forgive others as You have forgiven us. Soften our hearts, remove any bitterness, and fill us with Your love. Guide us in walking the path of forgiveness each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.