How Do I Forgive Others?

Gather markers and a piece of paper. Write the word “forgiveness” at the top of the paper.

Ask your child what comes to mind when they think of the word forgiveness.

Let their imagination take over! Ask them to draw what they thought of on the piece of paper and then discuss why that image reminds them of forgiveness.

Dear Father, today we ask for Your help forgiving others like You forgive us. Please help us to be more like You. Thank You for forgiving our sins and showing us how to forgive others. Amen.

Tell your kids about a time you struggled to forgive someone but decided to forgive them anyway.

Explain how God gave you the strength to forgive.

Does forgiving someone mean they don’t get in trouble for their sin?

No. There are still consequences for the wrong things people do. In chapter 12 of the New Testament book of Romans, we read that vengeance belongs to God, not us. We can and should extend forgiveness to those who hurt us and trust that our just God will take care of the wrongs committed against His children.

Put it into practice! Ask your child to come up with three ways they can practice forgiveness. Have them write “1,” “2” and “3” on a piece of paper and then help them write down the three ideas they came up with.

Hang their forgiveness ideas on the fridge to remind them throughout the week to practice forgiveness.