Forgiveness

At Bishop Ridley, forgiveness is one of the core values that helps us live out our vision: One Community, Learning & Growing Together, Sharing the Love of God. Forgiveness is about being part of a caring community where mistakes are acknowledged, relationships are restored, and everyone has the chance to grow.

Forgiveness is important because:

• It builds trust, safety and friendship in our school community.
• It helps us learn from our mistakes rather than being defined by them.
• It reflects the love of God: God forgives us, and we are called to share that same grace with others.
• Through forgiveness, we grow in humility, compassion, and understanding — qualities that help us become the kind of person Jesus modelled being in His life.

How Forgiveness Looks at Bishop Ridley

• We learn to apologise sincerely when we have hurt someone, and work to make things right.
• We offer forgiveness when someone says sorry, recognising that holding on to anger hurts everyone.
• We teach children that forgiving does not always mean forgetting, but that it means letting go of bitterness and working toward reconciliation.
• Staff model forgiveness in all relationships — with children, parents and each other — remembering that we are all learning and growing together.

What the Bible Teaches about Forgiveness

Jesus places great importance on forgiving others — not just once or twice, but without keeping count. He tells us:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,

Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times!

— Matthew 18:21-22

He also reminds us in the Lord’s Prayer how deeply forgiveness is part of God’s way:

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

— Matthew 6:12

These teachings show that forgiveness is not something occasional or optional, but a way of life marked by mercy, humility, and compassion.