Topic: Forgiveness

Being a person full of grace means choosing to put others before yourself.  It’s about having an attitude of humility, of which forgiveness is a vital aspect.  When Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray, he adds “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  Then, he adds some commentary saying “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (See Matthew 6:9-15). 

That is the part of the prayer that I generally read twice, because I often skip over it the first time I read this passage.  Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things to do.  It’s so counter-cultural!  When someone wrongs me, I want to see justice!  But if justice is the appropriate response, then this prayer would read “Punish us for our debts, as we also punish our debtors.”  Justice doesn’t sound quite as appealing anymore. 

As I think about the sin in my life, knowing that God offers me forgiveness leaves me speechless.  There is really no greater example of love than the forgiveness of sins to those who don’t deserve it.  In the same way, teaching your kids forgiveness by forgiving others shows them the love that you have for others.  You are showing them a real-life example of the Greatest Commandment: “’Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets’”   (Matthew 22:36-40). 

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with your kids.  Explain to them when people have wronged you, or when you have wronged others, and teach them how forgiveness restores those relationships.  Children often remember the times when their parents mess up more than when their parents do well.  Use those as teaching moments, showing them how grace causes change. 

This week, I challenge you to right any wrongs in your life, and take the time to explain the situation to your kids.  The eternal significance will far outweigh the embarrassment and pain.