Bible values for children
A way forward after hurt.
Choosing not to get even after being hurt.
We can be honest about the hurt, ask for help and take time to heal.
Put it into practice
What does forgiveness look like?
Forgiveness means choosing not to get even with someone who has hurt us. It does not make the wrong thing right. We can be honest about the hurt, ask for help and take time to heal.
If someone tears your drawing, you can explain that it hurt and ask for help repairing it. You do not have to tear their drawing in return.
Talk about it
What might help someone begin to put a wrong thing right?
Stories that show forgiveness
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Joseph Reassures His Brothers
Genesis 50:15–21
Joseph named the wrong his brothers had done, but chose not to take revenge. He reassured them and promised to care for their families.
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The Lost Son and the Welcoming Father
Luke 15:11–32
Jesus told of a son who ran far away and a father who welcomed him home, while an older brother struggled to rejoice.
Read storyMeet the people
Returning son
Welcoming fatherVerses to remember
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
A little context
Colossians 3:13 connects forgiving others with the forgiveness Christians have received from Christ. It belongs with compassion, love and peace in the surrounding passage.
