How Does a Mom Forgive?

We all know that our children are constantly watching us and looking up to us as an example. There are times when due to our own personal emotions, we find ourselves caught up in a moral dilemma. This is especially true when we feel that one of our children has been hurt or wronged by another individual. This is when the “mother bear” in us comes out. Sometimes that inner “mother bear” can go on the attack. Can’t it?

It can be admirable to stand up for our children and to want to right a wrong…but we have to really examine our motivation in these situations. Are we really trying to solve a situation or are we merely trying to make someone “pay” for damage done?

It is all too easy to tell our children not to hang around someone or to allow them to catch on to our feelings of distaste towards an individual. But this kind of an approach doesn’t bring peace to our heart or our child’s for that matter.

God hates unresolved conflicts. We need to take the matter at hand to the Lord in prayer first and foremost. We then need to make every effort to help our child heal from the wound and encourage them to continue to love and forgive. We are not only being a good example to them, but we are allowing our children to see us seeking for forgiveness as well. As we talk to them, they will be able to see our heart and the desire we have as their mom to do the right thing even if we feel angry.

There will be times where maybe personal protection, professional counsel, or intervention may be necessary. But even during these times our children need to see us striving to do the right thing. They need to know that we won’t resort to selfish or dishonest tactics because those not only don’t bring peace, healing, or satisfaction, but they are morally wrong.

It takes a great deal of courage to forgive but if we do, we will be raising children who can handle and resolve conflicts in a mature, wise, and loving manner.

We can teach a lot of principles to our children with our mouths. But if we don’t also model them, our talk is worthless. For “character” is not only taught, it is caught.

The next time your heart is struggling to forgive, remember and think about what kind of an example you want your children to follow.

Article by:

~ Dionna Sanchez is learning to model forgiveness to her children. She shares the lessons she learns in life with all moms at www.EmphasisOnMoms.com

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