I grew up in a family full of strong, hard-working, and deeply caring individuals. In our island home, strength was more than muscle, it was character, resilience, and faith. We were raised to be well disciplined, respectful, and obedient, shaped by strict parenting and strong Christian values. Obedience was not optional; it was an expectation. And while I carry deep gratitude for the love and care my family provided, I also remember the pressure I felt as a child and even more so as a teenager. There was little room for error, and even less space for forgiveness when mistakes were made. Now, as a parent and teacher, I understand the heart behind that structure, but I also see the powerful need for grace and forgiveness.
Today, as someone entrusted with guiding children, I see clearly the importance of forgiveness in their development. Whether at home or in the classroom, children are constantly learning emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Through their learning and growth, they will make mistakes. Not because they are defiant or disrespectful, but because they are human. When they fall short, they need to know that there is grace waiting on the other side. Just as God forgives us, we must forgive them and teach them the beauty of restoration.
One of the most meaningful things we can do as adults is to apologise to our children and students when we fall short. A sincere apology says, “I see you, I respect you, and I want to grow with you.” It models humility and emotional maturity. It shows that love and correction can live side by side. More importantly, it teaches young people that being wrong or making a mistake does not diminish their worth.
In John 21:15, Jesus says, “Feed my lambs.” It’s a gentle reminder that the students in our care are the lambs God has entrusted us with. Feeding them means more than teaching them lessons and managing their behaviour, it means nurturing their hearts. It means extending grace, offering forgiveness, and showing them what compassion looks like in action. Forgiveness plants the seeds of trust, safety, and emotional wellbeing, allowing them to grow into confident and kind individuals.
Forgiveness doesn’t excuse poor choices, but it offers a way forward. It opens the door to learning and healing. As adults, we must be the first to practise it, not just preach it. Forgiveness is a gift we give to others, but it’s also a gift we give to ourselves. It brings peace into our homes and classrooms and strengthens the relationships that matter most.
Let us remember Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
May we lead with grace, nurture with love, and model forgiveness, so every child and student in our care feels safe to grow, to learn, and to become all that God has called them to be.
Mrs Sophie Livah
Stage 2 Coordinator
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