Parenting 101 Series Part 8 - Repentance and Forgiveness - 9.28.25

Joshua Boyd

Key Idea:
Repentance is not a one-time event at salvation—it is a continual practice for believers, parents, and children alike. Just as we teach our kids to say “I’m sorry,” God calls us to take responsibility, repent, and walk in His forgiveness.

Main Points:

• Pop Quiz: When was the last time you repented?
  Repentance should be regular, not a distant memory.
• Children & Young Christians:
  • Kids don’t always understand cause and effect; they need guidance to own mistakes.
  • Likewise, young Christians have zeal but must learn responsibility and repentance.
• Case Study – Church of Corinth (1 Cor. 5, 2 Cor. 7):
  • Energetic and gifted, but ignored serious sin in their midst.
  • Paul confronted them—“Say you’re sorry.”
  • Their repentance produced joy, zeal, and restored fellowship.
• What Repentance Means:
  • Not just “being sorry” for consequences, but godly sorrow that leads to change.
  • Worldly sorrow = regret without change → spiritual death.
  • Repentance wipes sins completely clean through Christ’s blood.
• Ongoing Need for Repentance:
  • We still battle flesh and pride.
  • Daily situations (anger, jealousy, lack of trust, pride) require us to confess and repent.
  • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9).
• Repentance Has a Window:
  • Cain ignored God’s warning → murder.
  • Esau traded his blessing for a meal → too late for repentance.
  • Choices have consequences even if forgiveness is given.
• Examples of True Repentance:
  • Peter denied Christ three times, but repented deeply and became a leader.
  • David sinned greatly (Bathsheba, census), but had a heart after God and repented.
• Parenting Connection:
  • We train our children not only to say “sorry,” but to mean it.
  • Consequences may vary based on sincerity and repeated disobedience.
  • Our role mirrors God’s—correcting, forgiving, and guiding toward maturity.

Takeaway:
Repentance is not about perfection, but about taking responsibility, confessing, and being restored. Godly sorrow brings life and blessing. Parents can model this truth for their children, teaching them both responsibility and the power of forgiveness.