Forgiving someone can be difficult, since we are human—it initially feels good to our human nature to stay angry. However, when we forgive, we are acting as Christ would act and fulfilling His desire for us. When our children learn to forgive, they grow more like Jesus and ultimately become happier people. Let’s examine the mechanics of forgiveness.
We have all have been forgiven of much; our sin causes us to owe a debt that is impossible for us to pay. We have not done and cannot do anything to earn Jesus’ forgiveness. Because Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again, our debt is forgiven. Likewise, because we have been forgiven much, we should forgive others just as much and more. Each of us needs to forget about keeping score. We are to forgive others as many times as it takes, even an unlimited number of times, because God has forgiven us an unlimited number of times.
When it comes to teaching our children to forgive, they will be helped by seeing forgiveness in action. Children imitate and emulate the behaviors they see, and if parents don’t model forgiveness in their lives, they cannot expect their children to forgive. Forgiveness is sometimes a battle, especially for children, because we tend to remember those things that have hurt us. We must teach our children that when they come before God and ask Him to forgive them for something they have done wrong, He fully forgives them and gives them another chance. They must also practice true forgiveness and give people chance after chance after chance. This pattern continues throughout life: because people are human, people will hurt us or the ones we love. We can still forgive them, becoming more like Christ and showing His love to all.
In summary, it is much easier to be forgiven than it is to forgive others. We are thankful that God, in His infinite mercy and grace, forgave us of our sin against Him. Jesus commanded us to forgive others and not seek retribution for their offenses against us; He said He would take care of the consequences. Do not take matters into your own hands–leave the payment up to God. Do not be a person that wants to be forgiven but then does not want to forgive others. If you refuse to forgive and let go of your anger toward another person, you have lost sight of how much and how many times God has forgiven you.
Memory Verse: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32