See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. —Hebrews 12:15
Do you want your children to be quick to forgive others? Then it’s important to model forgiveness yourself.
When you walk in grace and forgiveness, you may find that your children are more likely to walk in the grace and forgiveness of God. Your children may be more wounded and damaged by living with a parent who has a heart of bitterness than they will be by the circumstances that created that bitterness.
Ultimately, our bitterness is destructive, not only to our own lives but to our families and the other lives we touch. Often someone who’s bitter doesn’t even realize it, but everyone around them does. And their bitterness is like a poison. It contaminates the atmosphere in which they live.
No matter what circumstance you’re in, it’s important to model forgiveness. Choose to forgive those who have wronged you. Then work at blessing and praying for your offender. There’s no more powerful way to teach your children about God’s grace and forgiveness.
Make it Personal
What can you do today to model forgiveness to your children or other people in your circle of influence?