Guard Your Heart: A Forgiveness Art Project For Teen Girls
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
In our last post, we talked about forgiveness. Not the fake kind. The real kind. The kind that feels hard. The kind that feels unfair. The kind that actually sets you free.
But here is something we do not talk about enough.
Your heart is powerful.
Everything flows from your heart. Your reactions. Your friendships. Your attitude. Your choices.
When your heart is full of peace, peace flows out. When your heart is full of hurt you have not dealt with, that flows out too.
Scripture also warns us that when we refuse to forgive, it gives the enemy an opportunity to take advantage of us, influencing our motives and behavior in ways we may not even notice at first. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that unforgiveness can open a door we never meant to leave unlocked.
Unforgiveness does not stay small. It shapes how we respond, how we trust, and how we treat people.
So instead of only talking about forgiveness, we are creating something that helps us actually forgive.
Because sometimes you need a physical reminder when your emotions feel louder than truth.
The Guard Your Heart Forgiveness Card
We are making a 4x6 watercolor card to keep in your Bible, journal, backpack, or on your mirror.
The goal is simple. The next time you feel hurt or angry, you can pull it out and remember who you want to be.
Not controlled by pain. Not stuck in bitterness. Guarded. Strong. Free.
Materials
This list contains affiliate links offered
Cup for water
Paper towels
Plastic tablecloths to protect tables
Printable Forgiveness Scripture Sheet (Offered Below)
Sharpies, acrylic paint markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Optional additions:
Stickers such as hearts or florals
Fine glitter paint pen
Envelopes so girls can keep the card safe
Step 1: Start with Truth on the Back
Before painting, begin with the foundation.
On the back side of the card, place one or more scripture labels about forgiveness. For example:
This is not about pressure. It is about protection. Forgiveness keeps your heart clear. It prevents bitterness from taking root.
If possible, choose from several verses on the printable sheet. Choose what resonates with you.
Click Below to Download Your Free Printable Labels
10 Verses on Forgiveness
Full Sheet of Matthew 6:14-15
Step 2: Write the Anchor Verse on the Front
On the front of the card, have the girls write:
A pure heart comes from your desire to do the will of God and to be free from sin. It means a heart not clogged with resentment or bitterness.
Tip: Before Writing on Your Card
You may want to sketch your layout on scratch paper.
Think about spacing and where the verse will sit on the page.
Decide what lettering style to use. It could be bold block letters, soft cursive, bubble lettering, or something artistic and abstract.
Art Supply Options for Scripture
crayon
colored pencil
sharpie
paint marker
Step 3: Create the Watercolor Background
Add watercolor to create a unique background around their verse.
Need inspiration?
Try soft blended colors
abstract brush strokes
floral borders
gentle gradients
light splatter textures.
Try not to oversaturate the paper with water. If the page gets too wet, they can lightly dab it with a paper towel.
Remember. Even messy strokes can become beautiful.
Allow time for the cards to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Outline and Add Detail
Once the watercolor is fully dry, use Sharpies, acrylic paint markers, or dimensional paint to outline their designs.
Trace letters to make them stand out
Add small details like dots or vines
Create borders around the edges of the card.
This step adds depth and texture, making the design feel finished and intentional.
Optional Reflection Activity
Grab a small piece of paper.
Write down one thing you need to forgive. You do not have to share it out loud.
In your mind picture giving this the situation to Jesus. Then ask him to help you forgive and to heal your heart of any hurt caused by the situation.
Then tear up the paper and throw it away.
Look at the card you made. Read the scripture on the back to remember that you chose to forgive to do things God's way.
Note: When we choose to forgive, we are choosing not to carry that weight anymore.
Why This Matters
As girls, we feel deeply. Friendship struggles, betrayal, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings are part of life that we have to learn to work through in healthy ways that honor God.
Choosing not forgive affects how you treat others and how you see yourself. But when you learn to guard your heart and release offense, you create space for peace and growth.
This card becomes more than art. It becomes a reminder that your heart is worth protecting.
And the next time you are tempted to replay the hurt or hold onto a grudge, grab this card to remind you who you are choosing to become.