Teaching Kids to Forgive
Kids get hurt by siblings, friends, classmates, and sometimes by us. Learning to forgive is one of the most important lessons we can teach them, and one of the most freeing.
Why forgiveness matters
Ephesians 4:32: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
We forgive because God has forgiven us. That's the heart of it.
What forgiveness is, and isn't
Explain it simply:
- Forgiveness is choosing not to hold something against someone anymore.
- Forgiveness isn't saying what happened was okay.
- Forgiveness isn't pretending you weren't hurt.
- Forgiveness doesn't mean you can't tell a grown-up when someone is unsafe.
A story for kids
Jesus told a story about a servant who owed his king a huge amount of money, more than he could ever pay back. The king forgave all of it! But then that servant refused to forgive a friend who owed him just a little (Matthew 18:21–35).
Ask: "Was that fair? God forgives us for so much. That's why we forgive others."
Simple steps for kids
- Tell God how you feel. "God, I'm mad that ___."
- Decide to forgive. "I choose to forgive ___."
- Say it if it's safe: "I forgive you."
- Ask God for help if the hurt comes back.
How many times?
Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive seven times. Jesus said, "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). Kids love that answer, and it's a great way to explain that we keep forgiving.
Jesus showed us how
Even on the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
It starts with us
Kids learn forgiveness most from how we forgive them. When they mess up and apologize, say, "I forgive you," and don't keep bringing it up. When you mess up, ask for their forgiveness too.
Speak identity over your kids every day with faith-filled kids' apparel, and remind them they're forgiven and loved.
A prayer with your child
Dear God, thank You for forgiving me. Someone hurt me, and it was hard. Help me forgive them like You forgive me. Take the hurt away and fill my heart with Your love. Amen.
