Day 4: Be Forgiving

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” - Colossians 3:13

The fifth way to build trust in a new relationship is to be forgiving.

Forgiveness is a key element in any Christian relationship. It means letting go of anger and resentment to move forward together in love and understanding. It's important to be quick to forgive minor misunderstandings. When bigger issues arise, discuss them openly and calmly to resolve them. This approach helps prevent grudges from building up and damaging your relationship.

Colossians 3:13 reminds us to forgive each other as the Lord forgave us. God’s forgiveness is a powerful example for us to follow. Just as He forgives us for our mistakes, we should strive to forgive our partners. This doesn’t mean forgetting what happened but choosing not to let it negatively affect your relationship.

In everyday life, small misunderstandings and mistakes are bound to happen. Maybe your partner forgot something important or said something hurtful. Instead of holding onto these moments, choose to forgive quickly. Talk things through if needed and clear up any confusion. This shows your partner that their mistakes aren't going to destroy your connection.

When it comes to bigger issues, forgiveness becomes even more important. Open communication is key here. Sit down together and discuss what happened and how it made you feel. Listen to each other without interrupting or getting defensive. Working through these tough moments honestly can actually bring you closer together.

Forgiveness also involves self-reflection. Think about times when you’ve needed forgiveness. Remembering this can make it easier to forgive others. It reminds you that everyone makes mistakes and deserves a chance to make things right. There will also be times when you’re the one asking for forgiveness. Be as gracious to your partner as you want them to be with you when you’re in the wrong.

As you go through your day, practice forgiveness in small ways. Let go of little annoyances and choose to see the good in your partner. When bigger conflicts come up, address them with an open heart and a willingness to forgive. This habit of forgiveness will build a strong foundation of trust in your relationship.