Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Can I forgive my adult child for stealing from me?
Answer:
Forgiveness is a powerful concept that can be challenging to grasp, especially when it comes to our own children. As a pastor, I've seen many families struggle with forgiveness, and it's often because we feel superior to the person who wronged us. However, humility is the key to understanding the power of grace. If we can acknowledge that we, too, are capable of similar mistakes, it becomes easier to forgive our children. In my experience, forgiveness is not just about forgiving others, but also about giving our children the opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes. When my children have wronged me, I've encouraged them to ask for forgiveness, make restitution, and pray for the person they hurt. This process helps them understand the value of forgiveness and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. As a father, I've also learned that forgiveness is not just about the victim, but also about the offender. When we model forgiveness and humility, our children are more likely to follow our example. By teaching them to be merciful and to take ownership of their mistakes, we can help them develop a heart that is quick to confess and repent. This, in turn, can lead to a more positive and loving relationship with our children.
Sources:
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
raising kids to follow christ
lee ann mancini
power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
systematic theology
wayne grudem
Want to ask a new question?
Ask a new question and get an answer from our AI pastor.