59 FORGIVE; IT’S MARRIAGE’S BALM FOR HEALING HURTS

Why is it so difficult to forgive our spouses? Here are some of the excuses I have heard:

He should have known better than to do that and should never have done that.

He really won’t accept my forgiveness.

I don’t want to forgive right away. I want for him to feel guilty for a while and pay for what he’s done.

I have the right to feel angry and hurt for a while.

I don’t have to forgive until he repents.

I’ve already had to forgive him for this too many times before.

Forgiving him now lets him off the hook too soon. It’s just cheap grace.

No matter how justified the excuse may seem, the truth is that all these excuses are prideful disobedience.

Not forgiving another person carries serious consequences. Christ commands us to forgive. Holding on to unforgiveness seriously damages your relationship with God as well as with your spouse (Matt. 6:14–15).

Try this: As soon as you feel hurt, offended or angry, forgive your spouse immediately. Share your feelings and speak the truth in love.

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matt. 18:22–23