8 September 2007
Teaching Children Repentance
Posted by Michelle under: Getting Along; Salvation; .
David’s actions during conflict reveals that he believes “I’m sorry” is merely something you say to make things better with someone who doesn’t like what you’re doing. It’s clear he really doesn’t understand what being sorry or repentant is all about.
I do make a distinction between saying I’m sorry (for unintentional/ accidental hurts) and Will you forgive me? (for intentional or sinful behavior). Yesterday I asked him to ask his sister’s forgiveness, and he said instead I’m sorry. I told him he needed to say Will you forgive me for sinning against you? He begged not to have to say that. I wanted him to say those particular words because I don’t think he really understands that being unkind is serious (he knows it doesn’t please or glorify God). It was an interesting response. Perhaps it indicates that he knows what true repentance is all about after all.
In any case, I’d like to do some brainstorming how I can teach him about repentance. I’m going to see if I can think about some Bible stories that might illustrate the concept. Then I might look up repentance in a concordance or topical Bible. And I’d like to think of a succinct way to explain it on his (and Bethel’s) level. This might take awhile.
Popularity: 18% [?]
You may also be interested in these posts:
- A Typical Conversation with Bethel
- Finding Wisdom to Teach Repentance
- Talking about Repentance
- Asking Forgiveness
- I’m Sorry, or Forgive Me
One Comment so far...
As4Me » Finding Wisdom to Teach Repentance Says:
5 October 2007 at 1:15 pm.
[...] spite of my recognition that my children needed to learn repentance, and my desire to teach it, I haven’t taken the time to study on the [...]
