On Forgiveness

For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
~Matthew 6:14-15

Dear Molly,

Having the ability to forgive your husband is one of the greatest gifts you can give your marriage. Realize Jesus died in order to give you forgiveness. He chose the cross for the sake of your purity. And now, by faith, the relationship that was once severed because of sin is whole and beautiful again! We are to follow in the footsteps of His forgiveness.

Just as conflict is inevitable, forgiveness is a choice. I encourage you to choose forgiveness. Resolve your conflicts, and then also let them go. “Love does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Call on Christ in time of need; what you cannot do naturally, He can do supernaturally through you. Trust Him, and He will be your help and your guide and, ultimately, your peace.

The alternate choice is unforgiveness; there is really not a third option. But if you take the unforgiving route, the divide between husband and wife only becomes deeper and wider. I have found that not only does unforgiveness interfere with Mac and me, but it also inhibits my relationship with my heavenly Father. My communication line is temporarily disconnected with the Lord because of clouded feelings of anger, bitterness, and discontentment. So, I have both isolated myself from my soul mate on this earth, as well as drawn away from the One who loves my soul the most!

Forgive Ryan the way Christ forgave you. Also, pray for Ryan the way Christ prays for you. Pray Ryan’s heart would be softened, and then convicted of any hurt he may have caused you. Humbled hearts of repentance and forgiveness will keep your marriage full of love and acceptance, even in the midst of failures and miscommunications.

Forgiveness is the harder choice in the beginning, but it is always the right choice for a peace-filled ending.

Love, Chris

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
~Matthew 5:7