Repenting and Forgiving
Repentance and forgiveness are tough for any of us to fully comprehend and practice, and are particularly challenging for our little ones who are still learning empathy. Feeling genuine remorse means that a child has to comprehend that others have feelings! But repentance and forgiveness are central to the gospel of Jesus. When we practice this in a way that involves our faith, and when we find the little moments to practice it in daily life, we not only can be in better relationship with each other, we also can better understand God’s love. To repent means, literally, to turn around - as in, to do a 180. So when we say we’re sorry, it means more than “oops.” It doesn’t even just mean we won’t do it again. It means we do something to make it better. The other part of repentance is forgiveness. We also have to learn to accept it when someone else repents, and help them “turn around,” help them know how to make it better. Just as God does for us, we wash it clean. A note for grown-ups: Make sure repentance and forgiveness are reciprocal. When we model it for children, they learn it. It’s important that your children have heard you apologize to them and to others!
|
Read It
Matthew 6:12 Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. -CEV |
|
Do It
Repentance Ritual (best for ages 3 and up):
Each evening (or weekly, at your Sabbath time), have a brief time of confession. Go around the circle, and each member of the family answers these questions:
Daily Moments
This idea is stolen from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” with a twist. There’s a great episode about apology, where they sing a little song with the lyrics, “Saying I’m sorry is the first step. Then, ‘How can I help?’” Use those words when something goes differently than it should. When the moment is resolved, add the words, “I forgive you, as God has forgiven me.” Will they totally understand what that means? Maybe not yet. But they will eventually!
Repentance Ritual (best for ages 3 and up):
Each evening (or weekly, at your Sabbath time), have a brief time of confession. Go around the circle, and each member of the family answers these questions:
- What’s one thing you did or said today that could have caused hurt to someone or something?
- How can you help make it better?
- How can we all help you not do that again?
Daily Moments
This idea is stolen from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” with a twist. There’s a great episode about apology, where they sing a little song with the lyrics, “Saying I’m sorry is the first step. Then, ‘How can I help?’” Use those words when something goes differently than it should. When the moment is resolved, add the words, “I forgive you, as God has forgiven me.” Will they totally understand what that means? Maybe not yet. But they will eventually!
Pray It
God, thank you for forgiving us when we do things that hurt others, ourselves, your creation, or you. Help us know how to make things better, and help us remember to forgive others.
God, thank you for forgiving us when we do things that hurt others, ourselves, your creation, or you. Help us know how to make things better, and help us remember to forgive others.
Extras
Why and how to apologize to your child
Teaching apology
A mom’s blog about apologizing to her children
Why and how to apologize to your child
Teaching apology
A mom’s blog about apologizing to her children
