How Do You Teach Forgiveness?

Remember that children will follow your lead. How you forgive is how they will forgive (or not).

I usually talk out loud explaining my thoughts, feelings, choices and allow the kiddos to see my final actions allowing my experiences to be shared. This works with forgiveness also. Whether it's forgiving them, their father or other persons in our lives, I make sure it's a learning lesson for all of us.

I'm careful in keeping drama or alienating information far away from the situation as these details are distractions from the lesson. Forgiveness doesn’t need to describe names and exact details. My explanation sounds more like this;

"I'm needing to forgive someone. I was sad when something happened. After thinking about it, I'm still sad. I understand that I cannot change the situation. I'm also not able to change things for the next time. I can choose to talk to them about my feelings. My intentions are to forgive them regardless if they apologize or not. I am not willing to hold onto these feelings like poison."

There are a few that I have not forgiven. I should. I will. In good timing. Taking my own advice with these will help me live healthier and open to a more positive progressive life.

Even at young ages, my kids understand these words. As they mature, so will their understanding.

‘Father Forgive them for they know not what they do.’ Luke 23:34

http://jesusdaily.com/the-last-7-words-of-jesus/