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It shouldn't be damaging to a child to teach them to accept responsibility and make amends in a good way. Even young children have a marvelous capacity to understand and empathize with the need to make things right, on an age appropriate level. It takes good parenting skills to teach that quality in a loving way, and to model it for them in daily life.
In what sense are you asking this question? From the standpoint that it's part of some forgiveness cycle, where the wronged party is required to forgive the wrong, and the bad actor is required to reciprocate with an apology? Otherwise the wrong is not really forgiven?
I should have been more clear in my OP. I meant asking for forgiveness from God not others. I agree that it is a good thing to make amends with others, more for your sake than theirs.
So that is why the question of is it fair to teach that you must ask God for forgiveness for every perceived wrong to children who may not even understand.
The hardest word to say (and mean) in the English language is.... I'm sorry. Saying I'm sorry is admitting a wrong (perceived or true) and asking for forgiveness. Teaching a child to overcome selfishness (natural) and pride (learned) can only serve them in the future. However... Not all parents "teach" well nor do we all remember our lessons.
Forgive your parents and ask God to help you understand (wisdom). You do not have to be a Christian for that... but it does require faith.
You don't have to verbally ask for forgiveness or even tell another person you forgive them as some sort of silly Biblical requirement for God to forgive you. If it's from the heart it's a done deal, although there are certain psychological and emotional benefits for you and the other person when you do make it a verbal thing.
People describing NDE's life reviews said the No. 1 thing they were called on was hurting another person but they weren't judged for it. Nobody gets judged by God after death. Countless NDE'ers say they judge themselves by being put in the shoes of the people they hurt to learn how painful their victims felt.
Excellent observation. This is what I believe reaping what we sow actually means.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcamps
I think it is a wonderful thing that lifts off all forms of condemnation from us so to know that our Heavenly Father's forgiveness is continually flowing unconditionally, by the knowledge of this we cannot help but be likewise. The knowledge of the the unconditional forgiveness of God frees us from the burden placed upon us by orthodox religion, and guides us into the path of peace.
It IS freeing indeed to know the perfect agape love for us ALL of God and Jesus, pcamps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_n_Tenn
God wants your love! and parents want your love!... but parents are fallible. Think a bit more rudimentary... Love your God with all your heart and honor your mother and father, then re-ask the question.... not as a requirement but an exercise. Does it sound different? does it feel different?
I know that God wants your heart but I also know He wants your actions and words to honor Him. This not "religion"... it's a relationship. In the Lords prayer we ask God for forgiveness, both for what others have done and then ask for our own forgiveness, out loud. Our "confession" can be best done (IMO) between Jesus and our self. For me, I like the Holy Spirit to "take over" in a quiet place and let the conversation flow... sometime out loud and sometimes in thought. I find driving a back road with no traffic, windows open, is good for me.
It's good to ask a child about their behavior and help them understand what is right and wrong but it isn't good to render guilt and consequences. Learn to live and pass it on.
...just sayin'
Well said, Dave . . . but I suspect you misunderstood Kat's OP.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nateswift
Outstanding post. The only thing wrong with the OP, IMO, is that it looks like an exercise practiced to keep them from going to Hell if they die before they perform it. This may just have been a child's understanding. A period of reflection on the day is not at all a bad idea for anyone, not just the shortcomings, but the joys.
Amen, nate! But I think you also misunderstood Kat's OP. I do NOT think she believes in an eternal torment hell.
Quote:
Originally Posted by katjonjj
I should have been more clear in my OP. I meant asking for forgiveness from God not others. I agree that it is a good thing to make amends with others, more for your sake than theirs.
So that is why the question of is it fair to teach that you must ask God for forgiveness for every perceived wrong to children who may not even understand.
Excellent observation. This is what I believe reaping what we sow actually means.
It IS freeing indeed to know the perfect agape love for us ALL of God and Jesus, pcamps.
Well said, Dave . . . but I suspect you misunderstood Kat's OP.
Amen, nate! But I think you also misunderstood Kat's OP. I do NOT think she believes in an eternal torment hell.
QED.
Yes Mystic, I was referring to asking God when he should already know if you want to be forgiven or are remorseful. I was taught as a small child that I would burn in hell if I died without asking for forgiveness. It caused me to be so fearful every day and night.
I have since then studied and know that is a false doctrine but I worry about the practice of it damaging kids in mainstream Christianity.
Excellent observation. This is what I believe reaping what we sow actually means.
It IS freeing indeed to know the perfect agape love for us ALL of God and Jesus, pcamps.
Well said, Dave . . . but I suspect you misunderstood Kat's OP.
Amen, nate! But I think you also misunderstood Kat's OP. I do NOT think she believes in an eternal torment hell.
QED.
Quote:
Originally Posted by katjonjj
Yes Mystic, I was referring to asking God when he should already know if you want to be forgiven or are remorseful. I was taught as a small child that I would burn in hell if I died without asking for forgiveness. It caused me to be so fearful every day and night.
I have since then studied and know that is a false doctrine but I worry about the practice of it damaging kids in mainstream Christianity.
And it is indeed a VERY damaging belief to foist upon innocent children, Kat. It is a TRUE sacrilege! The majority anti-Christ apostate churches are indeed misleading many as was prophesied for these "latter days." Jesus cannot be pleased at the damage being done to such tender and innocent souls He asked to be taught of Him.
In all I have read from Christians and my experience as a Christian, it is always a requirement to ask for forgiveness. My family made it a bedtime ritual in case you died in your sleep.
Why would God, who sees and knows all, need that verbal declaration?
AND...
Isn't that damaging to a child who may not fully understand?
Thoughts?
He doesn't. Jesus died once for all. Our sin debt was nailed to the cross. We were forgiven at the time of the crucifixion...not when we ask for forgiveness of each individual sin.
He doesn't. Jesus died once for all. Our sin debt was nailed to the cross. We were forgiven at the time of the crucifixion...not when we ask for forgiveness of each individual sin.
I understand that and appreciate that belief yet I was raised in a strict penacostal environment where threats of hell if not forgiven were common as well as the threat of dying in the tribulation if not raptured. I think these doctrines are damaging to children who really are just forming their concept of right and wrong.
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. . . but I suspect you misunderstood Kat's OP.
