This one is goes hand in hand with the last one — bearing wrongs patiently. Once you are wronged, then you must forgive. So how does one forgive, exactly? What does it mean to forgive? Isn’t that the eternal question?
Pray
The first step to forgiving is to pray. For who? For the person you need to forgive. Pray for good things for them whenever necessary — God Bless name. A few things will happen. First, God will bless the person. They may be nicer, they may not. In either case, YOUR heart will be opened.
Ask Forgiveness
As the Our Father says, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If we are unable to forgive or are harboring our hurt, we need to ask God to help us. If your child is of age for Reconciliation, the confessional is a great place to ask God for his help.
Fake It Until You Make It
While you are struggling with forgiveness, keep telling yourself that you forgive them. Tell yourself that you forgive until you begin to believe that you have actually forgiven them.
It’s important to note that forgiveness does not mean that you should let the other person keep on hurting you.
Here are a few forgiveness activities I have found:
- The Forgiving Heart Craft (look for the lesson on Forgiveness)
- Large unit on Forgiveness
- Teaching Forgiveness Biblically
In addition, here are some great activities for Catholics on Forgiveness via reconciliation:
- Cute Activities including a Spiritual First Aid Kit & a “Taste of Confession” @ Homegrown Catholic
- The Prodigal Son mini-book and more @ That Resource Site
- 3 Great Visual Examples of Sin & Needing Forgiveness @ Suite 101
- Resources on Forgiveness for All Ages @ CatholicMom
How you you teach forgiveness in your family?
