Teaching kids forgiveness is one of the most profound and transformative lessons we can teach them. It’s not always easy—especially when emotions are running high—but helping kids understand the power of forgiveness through scripture can shape their character, strengthen their relationships, and deepen their faith.
As parents, we have an incredible opportunity to guide our children in learning how to forgive just as God forgives us. But how do we make something so complex understandable for young minds? This blog will break down the importance of forgiveness, how to use scripture to teach it, and practical ways to help kids develop a forgiving heart.
Why Teaching Kids Forgiveness Is Important
Before diving into scripture, it’s important to highlight why learning to forgive is essential for children.
1. Strong Relationships
Holding grudges only leads to broken friendships, sibling rivalries, and unnecessary conflict. Teaching kids how to forgive allows them to restore relationships and move forward with kindness and understanding.
2. Promotes Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Studies show that people who practice forgiveness experience less stress, anxiety, and depression. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, forgiveness is directly linked to better mental health, which is just as true for children as it is for adults.
3. Teaches Kids About God’s Love
When kids understand that God forgives them, they are more likely to extend that same grace to others. This lays a strong foundation for compassion, empathy, and personal growth.
What Does the Bible Say About Teaching kids forgiveness?
The Bible is full of powerful verses about forgiveness, providing the perfect foundation to teach kids why it’s important and how to practice it.
1. God Calls Us to Forgive Others
📖 Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This verse is a great starting point when explaining forgiveness to kids. It teaches that forgiveness isn’t just an option—it’s a command. God calls us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as He forgives us.
💡 Teaching Idea: Encourage your child to recall a moment when someone showed them kindness after a mistake. Ask them: In what way did that kindness impact you? How can you express that same kindness to others?
2. Jesus Teaches Us to Forgive Repeatedly
📖 Matthew 18:21-22 – “Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
The passage shows that forgiveness isn’t limited—it’s ongoing. Kids often struggle with forgiving the same person over and over (especially siblings!). Jesus reminds us that we should forgive continually, just as He forgives us.
💡 Teaching Idea: Encourage kids to create a forgiveness journal where they write down times they have chosen to forgive. This helps reinforce that forgiveness is a daily practice, not a one-time event.
3. God Forgives Us, So We Should Forgive Others
📖 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.”
Kids need to understand that they are forgiven before they can truly forgive others. Colossians is a beautiful reminder that God forgives us, so we should extend that same grace to others.
💡 Teaching Idea: Have kids write down their mistakes on a piece of paper. Read 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.”). Afterward, tear up the paper to show how God wipes away our sins completely.
How to Teach Kids Forgiveness in Everyday Life
1. Model Forgiveness in Your Own Life
Kids learn best by example. If they see parents holding grudges, refusing to apologize, or reacting with anger, they will struggle with forgiveness themselves.
- Be Quick to Apologize: If you overreact or make a mistake, say, “I’m sorry for raising my voice. Will you forgive me?”
- Extend Grace to Others: If a family member or friend hurts you, talk through how you’re choosing to forgive them.
- Show That Mistakes Don’t Define a Person: Teach kids that making mistakes is part of life, but we can always choose to move forward.
2. Create a “Forgiveness Circle” at Home
One way to teach forgiveness through scripture is by practicing family discussions where everyone shares how they’ve been hurt and how they can forgive.
How it Works:
🪑 Everyone sits in a circle and shares a time they were hurt.
💬 They talk about how that made them feel.
🙏 Next, they discuss how they can offer forgiveness for the person.
This creates an open, honest space where kids feel safe discussing real emotions while practicing forgiveness in a supportive environment.
3. Teach the Difference Between Saying “I’m Sorry” and True Forgiveness
Many kids say “I’m sorry” because they’re forced to—but that doesn’t mean they understand true forgiveness.
Teach them that real forgiveness means:
- Letting go of anger and resentment.
- Choosing not to bring up the past to hurt someone.
- Moving forward with kindness.
💡 Example: When siblings argue, rather than demanding a quick apology, guide them in saying,
👉 “I understand that I hurt you when I took your toy. Will you forgive me?”
This approach helps Teach kids forgiveness as a heart choice, not just words.
4. Pray About Forgiveness Together
Sometimes, forgiving someone is hard. Praying together about it teaches kids that God can help us forgive, even when it’s difficult.
Here’s a simple child-friendly forgiveness prayer you can teach them:
“Dear God, I know that You forgive me every day. Help me to forgive others the way You forgive me. Even when it’s hard, help my heart to let go of anger and show kindness. Amen.”
Recommended Reads from Other Blogs
- Focus on the Family: “How to Teach Kids About Biblical Forgiveness”
- Parent Cue: “Helping Kids Understand the Power of Forgiveness”
- Desiring God: “Forgiveness Strengthens Your Faith”
Final Thoughts: Teaching Forgiveness is a Lifelong Lesson
Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. By using scripture, modeling forgiveness, and creating real-life opportunities for kids to practice, we help them grow into compassionate, kind-hearted individuals.
Would love to hear your thoughts! How do you teach your kids about forgiveness? Share your experiences in the comments!