Forgiveness is something that does not come naturally to most humans. Because of this, we need to take special care in introducing our children to what God’s Word says about forgiveness. One way our family has tackled teaching forgiveness to our children is by memorizing what God’s word says about the subject.

Have you ever had a child (or two) that got into a conflict with someone and was unwilling to forgive them? We have; more times than we can count. And it was always a clear sign that we had a teachable moment to help our children better understand the work of the cross. 

There is no better way to teach your children about God’s forgiveness than to take them to the Word of God. I am excited to share 5 bible memory verses to help teach your children about God’s forgiveness.

5 Bible Memory Verses for Kids About Forgiveness

 

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.

In order for our children to understand the importance of forgiving others, they must first understand the salvation that comes through Christ’s sacrifice. 1 John 1:9 gives us great insight into the forgiveness of our sin when we repent and turn towards Christ. If God, who is perfect, can overlook the sin of sinful men, then it is our duty to carry that same love and outlook toward our brothers and sisters all over the world.

 

Mark 11:25 NIV

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that
your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

 

To take it a step further, it is important that we teach our children the spiritual discipline to forgive so their prayers may be effective. Mark 11:25 gives us a command that cannot be ignored; forgive so that you are forgiven. It is important that our hearts are pure when we come before the Lord so we don’t allow any distractions from hearing His voice when we pray.

 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

This verse is a wonderful verse to show our children the importance of compassion toward others. We have had several instances over the years where the truth of Ephesians 4:23 helped heal and convict our children’s hearts to forgive. This powerful verse can easily be used to show your child that when we choose to forgive, God’s love heals all.

Acts 3:19 NIV 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that
times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

 

Repentance is a vital part of every Believer’s walk with God. Acts 3:19 is an effective verse to help your child understand that if we confess and turn from our sin, God wipes out our sin, giving us a new beginning. If this isn’t something to shout about, I don’t know what is!

Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

Then 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 parable of the unmerciful servant is a phenomenal teaching tool about God’s forgiveness. In this story the Lord teaches about the importance of forgiving others just as God has forgiven you. While this can be a hard pill to swallow, when your child understands the gift of the cross, it begins to make sense to them. And as a result the truth of forgiving others begins to become an easy choice.

 

Accepting forgiveness and learning to forgive are both valuable lifelong lessons to teach your children. If you are looking for more resources to help hide God’s Word in the heart of your child, my husband and I authored the Learning to Speak Life: Fruit of the Spirit bible study guide to help do just that. It is our prayer that your children accept and give forgiveness in a way that Honors God.

 

Download a printable of these 5 Bible Memory Verses About Forgiveness