By Andrea Goebel
God’s Way
The kids were dressed and ready for breakfast, we were ahead of schedule, and I felt positive about the day ahead. We all said goodbye as my husband left for work, and that’s when the mood in the room shifted.
I can’t remember who started the argument, but soon, both kids were hurling insults and criticisms at each other. I couldn’t take it anymore. I yelled in frustration and stormed out of the room.
Collapsing onto my bed and pulling the covers over my head, I asked God to help me. I asked for forgiveness for taking my anger out on these precious little ones, and I asked for a calm spirit so I could help heal the wounds caused by our conflict.
As I opened my heart to God, I felt his peace wash over me. Soon, I returned to the kitchen, where my children were waiting. My daughter walked toward me as I approached.
“I’m sorry,” she cried, falling into my arms. “He was being mean, and he wouldn’t listen to me, and then I said those things to try to make him stop.”
“I’m sorry, too, sweetie,” I apologized, “for taking my mad out on you. I was frustrated that you and your brother were arguing again. Sometimes, I don’t do the right thing, either.”
I held her close and smoothed my hand over her hair. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my son watching us. As I looked up, he smiled, stood up from his seat and walked over to us. He wrapped his arms around his big sister and me, and we all hugged tight.
“I’m sorry I said those mean things to you,” he told her.
“I’m sorry I was mean to you,” she replied.
They giggled as he patted her head and they hugged once more. Silently, I thanked God for the blessing of forgiveness.
Jesus told his disciples, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).
This message is repeated throughout the Bible.
Furthermore, Jesus said we must forgive “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). In other words, we are to forgive others every time they hurt us. We should not set a limit on our forgiveness.
Christ died on the cross as a sign of forgiveness for our sins. When we forgive others for their wrongdoings against us, we are loving them like Jesus.
As my children and I accepted each other’s apologies and forgiveness that morning in the kitchen, our tension eased and our joyful spirits returned. I felt extremely grateful that they had each admitted their mistakes and apologized for their hurtful words. However, I also felt extremely humbled that they forgave me for making my own mistakes.
Although I wish I would never lose patience with my children and hurt their feelings, I’m not perfect. Often, I’m learning lessons of humility right alongside them. I’m thankful they see my humanity and recognize that I need forgiveness just as much as they do.
When we forgive those who hurt us, we receive a gift in return: a release from the grip of a hardened heart that refuses to give or receive love. When we forgive others, we open ourselves to accept God’s forgiveness of our own sins, and that is the best gift we can receive.