Forgiving Our Children

“You lied,” the 2020 meme says, “my child is not a delight to have in school.”

And we laugh because otherwise, we might cry. Sometimes, our little people, in all their selfishness and immaturity, are hard to love, much less delight in. Fallen people, big and small, hurt each other. And though we love them to the end, sometimes forgiving them is hard.

But forgive, we must. The road of unforgiveness leads away from God for all of us. It destroys relationships and leaves bitterness that poisons everything around it.

Like other people, we must forgive our children for being selfish sinners. We must forgive them for not being mature yet and doing childish things. We must forgive them for not loving us right since they don’t know how.

How can we forgive over and over? We take a good look at how God forgives us. When we are aware of all of our shortcomings, we are humbled by how God loves us and forgives us over and over and over. That humility, then, gives us the grace to firmly and lovingly confront a child in their sin, to correct them with a goal of reconciliation instead of retaliation, and to graciously accept their repentance. We must move on without a grudge or withholding love.

Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13 (CEV)

This requires the help of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes a child hurts us so often or so badly bitterness creeps in. Sometimes only God can help us forgive and let go in a way that is best for the relationship.

And while we forgive, we also work towards not letting them repeat the same mistake. Together with your child, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you all in doing the right things.

PRAY

Lord, you are loving and patient with me. You continually forgive me when I go against your will. Thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to love as you do. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): For younger kids: When is it hard to do the right thing? Why should we say we’re sorry when we do wrong? For older kids: Why is forgiveness so important?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 130:3-4

Matthew 6:12-14