A Beautiful Adventure MarriageSample

Forgiveness  

We are imperfect people. We all make mistakes—some intentionally, some accidentally. Forgiveness is something we all need to extend and receive pretty much daily, especially in marriage. 

When you first meet the one you’re going to marry, things are perfect. They’re perfect. You’re perfect. Everything is perfect. During that period forgiveness seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? Why would we ever need forgiveness? Everything is perfect! 

As time goes on, and you get married you start to realize all the things that were perfect to begin with aren’t actually perfect. Things get forgotten; hurtful words get spoken; and feelings get hurt. 

I would say the majority of the time hurting each other isn’t what was intended, but again, we’re two imperfect people doing life together—it happens. Regardless of the what, when, where, and how behind the conflict, forgiveness is necessary if any relationship is going to thrive and grow!

I will be the first to make a confession. There are times forgiveness is hard! 

At this moment, you may have a particular situation regarding your spouse in your brain, and you may be thinking of a hundred different reasons why forgiveness isn’t an option for you. However, forgiveness is not an option we have been given but a command from a Heavenly Father who loves us and knows what is best for us. 

One reason forgiveness seems hard is because we have the wrong idea of what forgiveness actually is. We have an enemy who likes to distort the true meaning of things, so we have problems with them. He has done a great job distorting the definition of forgiveness.

He tells us forgiveness is a feeling. We should only forgive our spouses when we “feel” like forgiving our spouse. He tells us forgiveness is conditional. When our spouse begs for forgiveness or has a good day, then we can reward them with forgiveness. He tells us forgiveness is impossible and that there are certain things which are simply unforgivable—all lies from an enemy who wants to see our marriages destroyed.

Here is the deal: forgiveness is essential. It is a choice you make and a grace you both need to extend and receive. You can’t have a happy marriage if one or both of you are holding on to some wrong or hurt feelings. Forgiveness and the acceptance of forgiveness must be actively pursued to make a marriage work.

Pray then Act

Is there something you need to forgive your spouse for today? Is there something you are holding on to that you need to let go of? 

Adventure Awaits! Let’s Go! 

Prayer

Father, Your Word tells us to forgive and keep on forgiving. Help me to make forgiveness a daily part of my marriage. I forgive my spouse today and will not let forgiveness ruin this adventure.

Action

Now that you have forgiven your spouse, walk it out. Do not bring the offense back up. It is in the past; continue forward.