How to Ask for Forgiveness
by adustyframe ~ March 14th, 2008I am reading The Heart of Anger again. We are working through a few issues around here in regard to a little boy’s behavior.
I know that the things we’re working on “nipping in the bud” stem from his father’s absence.
Yet, they are behaviors that are not going to continue no matter what our situation is.
I dug this out yesterday and began to read. It’s an easy reading book, but full of great information.
This “how to ask for forgiveness” applies to all situations, not just child training.
1. Acknowledge that you have sinned:
“I was wrong” or “God has convicted me I was wrong…”
2. Identify the specific sin by its Biblical name: *I like this one. It makes one truly own up to their wrong doing.*
“What I did was selfish” or “What I did was dishonest.”
3. Identify a Biblical behavior to demonstrate your resolve to repent:
“I should have clarified what you meant before I jumped to that hasty conclusion.”
“The next time I will tell the truth no matter how afraid I may be of the consequences.”
4. Ask for forgiveness:
“Will you forgive me?”
Do you notice that “I’m sorry if I did anything to offend you.” really is not an appropriate way to ask for forgiveness. Why do so many people–even Christians–think that they’ve done something good by “apologizing” like that?
Earlier, I shared notes from our sessions at family camp. Here is the post with that teacher’s information on asking for forgiveness.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Thanks for sharing this. Our soon-to-be 5-year-old is having some serious anger issues. From what I can tell, it stems some from all the commotion from moving and lack of attention on my part b/c I’m so busy packing. He seems to feel out of control and is reacting with anger. I remembered you recommending this book and it’s next on my list to read (after Boundaries with Kids, which I’m reading now). I’m looking forward to learning some tips for myself from reading it, too!