Have you ever said that—as an adult? I know a lot of us have been hurt to the core, and we’re not even thinking about forgiveness. Why? Well, because we’re so focused on getting through the hurt. I remember saying, “I’ll forgive that person when they ask for it, but until then…” You can fill in the rest. Is that the biblical way of forgiveness, though? Ephesians 4:32 says, “Forgive one another just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” In Christ, all our past, present and future sins have been forgiven. Shouldn’t we have a spirit of forgiveness even for those not asking? Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (ESV). Forgiveness is a great example for kids to follow.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 4:32, Proverbs 10:12, Mark 11:25