by Andrea D. Hutchinson

Created on: January 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Forgiveness is the foundation of trust. The bible instructs on forgiveness, in fact the books of the bible were written to provide forgiveness for everyone. Instructing on the reasons and ways of forgiveness. For oneself and, more so, toward others. It appears to have been a very important to God.

The importance of forgiveness to trust is most significant. Particularly in the relationship between the parent and child. Trust cannot exist without forgiveness. If nothing were ever done to compromise a truth, forgiveness would never have been necessary. If forgiveness had never been extended, trust would never have been brought to existence. Two scripture have been chosen that speak directly to the relationship between the parent and the child.

2 Corinthians 2:7b-8

You ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

And

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Forgiveness and trust are virtues that are taught within the moral fabric of the family. To be forgiving toward a child's that has made mistakes and misjudgments builds up that child's trust. Knowing that the parent will be instructive and not unjustly punitive allows the child courage to continue to grow and mature at his individual pace.

However, the opposite is true, as well. A broken trust is liable to alter one's ability to extend forgiveness. At least toward the offending person. Often toward anyone at all. These life lessons are handed down from parent to child.

In the immature mind of a child, the parent is large and formidable. The child's trust is entangled with their love of that parent. A child expects the parent to remain loving, unconditionally. When that expectation is violated, in a forceful and unforgiving manner, trust is violated as well. Unforgiveness for wrongdoing or poor choices is the most destructive of possible violations.

When the parent reacts to a disciplinary situation by withholding forgiveness, the child actually experiences the withholding of love. Can you recall a time in your childhood when you had infringed upon a rule in such a way that you were sure that it would effect your parent's ability to continue to love you? Was that situation, possibly, one that involved a broken trust on your part? Most will see this point, quite clearly.

This perceived unforgiveness will leave the child unsure of the parent's love, breaking the trust bond.

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