Forgiveness is central to our life as Orthodox Christians. It is a virtue that reflects God’s love for us and our call to love one another. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us the importance of forgiveness in many parables, but one of the most profound is the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35). In this parable, a servant whose master forgives an immense debt refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. When he heard this, the master punished the unforgiving servant, teaching us that God’s mercy to us depends on our mercy toward others.
At the end of the parable, Jesus tells us, “So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart” (Matthew 18:35). Forgiveness is not optional; it is how we imitate Christ and participate in His love.
Why Should We Practice Forgiveness?
Forgiveness reflects the very nature of God. St. John Chrysostom reminds us, “As a spark falling into the sea is extinguished, so is the sin of all flesh quenched by the infinite power of God’s mercy.” Just as God is merciful and forgives our sins, we are called to extend that same mercy to others. Holding onto grudges or anger only distances us from God’s grace. St. Silouan the Athonite teaches, “We only know others truly when we see them as God sees them, with love and forgiveness.”
When we forgive, we free ourselves from anger and bitterness.
Forgiveness heals not just the person we forgive but also our own hearts. The Apostle Paul reminds us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Teaching Forgiveness to Children
Teaching children the virtue of forgiveness is crucial in shaping their spiritual 
lives. Children are naturally inclined to hold grudges or seek fairness in situations, so we must gently guide them toward understanding Christ’s message of forgiveness.
Church school teachers can play an essential role in this by:
- Using Parables and Stories: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35) is a perfect starting point. Simplifying the story and explaining how God forgives us, so we must forgive others, can help children grasp the concept. Teachers can ask children to reflect on when someone hurt them and how forgiveness made them feel.
- Modeling Forgiveness: Children learn through example. Teachers and parents should model forgiveness in their own lives, showing that it’s not about ignoring wrongs but letting go of anger and choosing love. Children who see adults practicing forgiveness are more likely to adopt this virtue.
- Practical Exercises: Encourage children to practice forgiveness through role-playing. For instance, one child can act out a situation where they’ve been hurt, and another can forgive them. This can help them understand how forgiveness works in real-life situations.
- Prayer and Reflection: Teach children the prayer of forgiveness, such as the words from the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Remind them that every time we say this prayer, we ask God to forgive us just as we forgive others.
- Encouraging Empathy: Teach children to put themselves in the shoes of others. Helping them understand how others feel can lead them to forgive more easily. St. Isaac the Syrian says, “Be at peace with your soul, then heaven and earth will be at peace with you.” Helping children cultivate empathy can foster a forgiving heart.
Forgiveness is an essential virtue in Orthodox Christianity. Through forgiveness, we become more like Christ and open our hearts to God’s mercy. Teaching children to forgive sets them on a path of love, peace, and spiritual growth. As we practice forgiveness in our own lives, we heal ourselves and offer a powerful witness to those around us.
May we always remember St. Maximus the Confessor’s words: “He who does not forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” Let us build bridges of forgiveness in our hearts, teaching our children to do the same, and by this, we come closer to the kingdom of heaven.