Strengths Based MarriageSample

Forgiveness isn’t just something we do once to put the past behind us. It is something we must do every day—especially for those closest to us, such as our spouses. If we don’t forgive, we hold grudges and keep points. Before long we grow bitter. Bitterness is a justice spirit that won’t go forward until it receives the satisfaction it desires.

The more bitter we become, the more hardhearted we become to our spouses and others. We grow more cynical and cold, sarcastic and mean-spirited. And we fall out of love and wonder why we ever got married in the first place.

One of the most important disciplines in marriage is to never go to bed angry—ever. Not at our spouse or anyone else. Even if others are unwilling to say they are sorry or work things out, we can forgive them. It is a critical discipline to keep us emotionally healthy and to keep our hearts tender toward each other.

Here are some sayings I like concerning forgiveness:

Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right—it just makes me free.

The inability to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.

Unforgiveness damages the vessel that stores it worse than anyone you can spit it on.

Forgiveness is the most self-loving thing we can do.

Is there anyone in your past or your present life you haven’t forgiven?

Are you holding something against your spouse?

Do yourself a favor and forgive. Put your grievances in God’s hands and trust Him to handle them. He will and you can be free to live and love.