5 Powerful Forgiveness Activities for Kids

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Children often learn best by doing. These forgiveness activities for kids allow for intentionality in teaching this important character trait, while also making sure kids can engage.

Forgiveness is an important life skill that allows us to release anger, bitterness, and resentment. It’s central to our faith, as we are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us.

Teaching kids about forgiveness doesn’t have to be complicated—simple, hands-on activities can make it engaging and practical. These activities will help your children understand the power of letting go, building stronger relationships, and living out God’s grace daily.

Key Bible Verse on Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

This verse reminds us that forgiveness is a command, not an option. God calls us to forgive, just as He forgives us. These activities will reinforce that message in a fun and engaging way.

Bible Stories That Teach Forgiveness

#1 Joseph Forgives His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-15)

Joseph chose to forgive his brothers despite their betrayal. His story teaches that forgiveness can restore broken relationships and bring healing.

Aside from God’s forgiveness of us, this may be one of the most powerful examples of forgiveness in Scripture.

#2 The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

The father’s willingness to forgive his wayward son reminds us that no mistake is too great for God’s grace.

#3 Jesus Forgives on the Cross (Luke 23:34)

Even while suffering, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, setting the ultimate example of unconditional love and forgiveness.

5 Fun and Meaningful Forgiveness Activities for Kids

#1 The Forgiveness Eraser

• Why it works: Helps children visualize how forgiveness erases bitterness.
• Materials: A whiteboard or large sheet of paper, markers.

Instructions:

• Write hurtful words like “anger,” “resentment,” or “hurt” on the board.
• Talk about how holding onto these feelings can weigh us down.
• As each child shares how forgiveness can erase those feelings, let them erase a word to symbolize the freedom that comes from forgiving.

#2 Forgiveness Chain

• Why it works: Shows that forgiveness strengthens relationships.
• Materials: Construction paper strips, markers, tape or glue.

Instructions:

• Write acts of forgiveness (e.g., “Said sorry,” “Chose kindness,” “Let go of anger”) on paper strips.
• Link the strips together to form a chain.
• Discuss how forgiveness connects us to others and helps us grow closer to God.

#3 Role-Playing Forgiveness

• Why it works: Helps kids practice handling real-life forgiveness situations.
• Materials: None needed, but props can make it fun.

Instructions:

• Act out scenarios where forgiveness is needed, such as:
  • A friend forgets to share.
  • A sibling accidentally breaks a toy.
  • Someone says something unkind.
• Talk about different ways to respond and practice using words like, “I forgive you.”

Always go back to what Christ asks of us and His clear example of forgiving our sins.

#4 The Forgiveness Jar

• Why it works: Encourages kids to focus on giving and receiving forgiveness daily.
• Materials: A jar, paper slips, markers.

Instructions:

• Decorate a jar and label it “The Forgiveness Jar.”
• Whenever a child forgives someone, they write it on a slip of paper and place it in the jar.
• At the end of the week, read the notes together to celebrate acts of grace.

#5 Forgiveness Heart Craft

• Why it works: A visual reminder of the power of forgiveness.
• Materials: Paper, markers, scissors, glue.

Instructions:

• Cut out a large heart and title it “A Heart That Forgives.”
• Write Matthew 6:14 in the center.
• Decorate it with words or drawings representing forgiveness, such as peace, love, and kindness.
• Hang it somewhere visible as a reminder to choose forgiveness daily.

Final Thoughts

Forgiveness isn’t just something we teach—it’s something we live.

By making forgiveness tangible and engaging, we help our kids understand that letting go of hurt brings peace and freedom.

Forgiveness is often spoken of in terms of doing the other person a favor. In reality, it is just as beneficial to ourselves as it is to others.

These activities will encourage them to see forgiveness as an everyday choice that brings them closer to God and others.