“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Bible Verses About Forgiving Children
The Command to Forgive
We know how important forgiveness is in our lives. It is not just a suggestion but a command from Jesus that sets the foundation for our relationships. Forgiveness allows us to move on and create healthier interactions with those around us. As we reflect on child-like innocence, we see that children often forgive easily, reminding us of Jesus’ call to be like them. When we forgive, we are practicing love and obedience to God’s Word. Forgiving children is a beautiful example of how grace operates in our everyday life.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Matthew 18:35
The Power of Forgiveness
When we forgive, we unlock a new level of freedom in our hearts. Forgiveness isn’t just about the person who hurt us; it profoundly impacts us as well. Teaching children about forgiveness allows them to grow up knowing the grace of God. Forgiveness brings healing to broken relationships and peace to our minds. As believers, we recognize the immense power of forgiveness. It refreshes our spirits and sets us free from bitterness.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
2 Corinthians 2:10
“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven, if there was anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.” – 2 Corinthians 2:10
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” – Isaiah 43:25
The Heart of a Child
We often overlook the purity of a child’s heart. When Jesus spoke about allowing children to come to Him, He highlighted the value of their openness and innocence. As we learn to forgive like children, we embody the spirit of humility and grace. Children can teach us so much about letting go of grudges and embracing each day with fresh hope. We are reminded that forgiveness is a choice, and God honors our efforts to forgive just like children do.
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Luke 18:16
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” – Matthew 19:14
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 18:3
Matthew 21:16
“‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” – Matthew 21:16
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Forgiveness Brings Healing
Forgiveness is a key element in the healing process for both ourselves and our relationships. When we forgive, we often create an environment where healing can flourish. We recognize that holding onto hurt and resentment only weighs us down. By practicing forgiveness with children, we show them how to heal from their own hurts, making them stronger and wiser for the future. We understand that forgiveness can heal wounds that we didn’t even realize were there.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
The Importance of Teaching Forgiveness
Teaching children about forgiveness is an invaluable gift. When we show them how to forgive, we arm them with a tool that will guide their lives as they grow. It is crucial to influence their understanding of relationships and handle conflicts with grace. By incorporating forgiveness into our teachings, we provide them with a foundation for empathy, reconciliation, and peace. Forgiveness is a lesson that echoes throughout their lives.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” – Proverbs 23:22
2 Timothy 3:15
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:15
Deuteronomy 11:19
“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 11:19
Titus 2:4
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.” – Titus 2:4
The Role of God’s Grace in Forgiveness
We are constantly reminded of the importance of God’s grace in our lives, especially regarding forgiveness. His grace enables us to forgive others and ourselves. It is essential to convey to children that forgiveness is not just an action but a part of our faith rooted in God’s unending grace. We are encouraged to embrace grace in our relationships and see its transformative power. Through grace, we learn that forgiveness is a reflection of our faith in God’s love.
Romans 5:20
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – Romans 5:20
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” – Psalm 86:5
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Final Thoughts
Forgiving children is a beautiful act that enriches our relationships and softens our hearts. Throughout this journey, we learn that forgiveness layers our lives with grace and compassion. As we exercise forgiveness, we model Christ’s example and make way for healing, understanding, and love in our lives. We should be inspired by the innocent nature of children, reflecting their capacity to forgive effortlessly. Let us practice forgiving one another, letting go of past grievances while embracing the freedom that comes from staying in God’s grace.
Forgiveness holds enormous potential for a brighter future. It transforms our hearts and nurtures our relationships. By teaching children how to forgive, we prepare them for a world filled with challenges, and equip them with a fundamental understanding of love and compassion. We encourage you to explore more topics that deepen your understanding, like the Prodigal Son and forgiveness in the parable of the unmerciful servant.