Last month, I shared a post in this series about forgiveness: Asking our kids for forgiveness when we mess up.

But the reverse of that is true as well. We must forgive our kids when they mess up too. And, let’s face it. They are kids, learning how to navigate through life. They will mess up. It’s guaranteed.

Just the other day, my son had a rough day. He was disrespectful to his mother and siblings, and he lost several privileges and faced some discipline from me when I got home from the church office. It was not a good afternoon around our home.

That evening, he and I had a talk and discussed what his discipline needed to be. I set the consequences and walked out of his room, leaving him behind to think through his actions of the day.

Later that evening, I sat down with him again, and told him that I forgave him. And his mother did as well.

His immediate reaction was to think that his privileges were reinstated.

I had to correct that assumption, and let him know that even though I forgave him, he still had to face the consequences of his actions. His question was, “Then what’s the point of forgiveness?”

That’s a good question.

Just because forgiveness is given, the consequences do not magically disappear. There still must be some punishment. Even in the case of Christ’s forgiveness offered to us. We sinned. He forgave us. We no longer had to face the consequences.

But he did. He paid the penalty for me, so that I could live in restored relationship with the Father.

Just like that, my son’s actions required some consequences. But they also required forgiveness on my part.

I will never regret being quick to offer forgiveness to my kids when they require it. After all, I’ve been forgiven of much because the Father loves me. Shouldn’t I be quick to forgive because, as a father, I love my kids.

Of course I should.

Dads, if your kids need to receive your forgiveness, you need to take steps to do that right now. Offer forgiveness. The consequences might still remain, but be clear that forgiveness has happened, and restoration is taking place.

Both your kids and you need to experience that.

And, be deliberate, Dad!

Do you need to go offer forgiveness to your kids? If so, what’s keeping you from doing that right now? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.