In any deepening relationship, including marriage, conflict will arise. It’s all a part of learning one another, learning oneself, and learning to pursue unity. This is why forgiveness is a beautiful, powerful practice. It’s not only when hurt happens, because often, hurt can linger. Forgiveness is the difference between hurting and healing. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Here are 3 ways forgiveness can transform your marriage:

Transforming Your Marriage Through Forgiveness

Embody Healing: Forgiveness can help heal emotional hurts in any relationship. Without forgiveness, bitterness festers, causing distance, isolation, and distrust. The profound practice of forgiveness fosters honest space for both partners to connect through vulnerability, communicate with love, and restore trust.
Build Resilience: Forgiveness is not a one-and-done situation; it’s an ongoing, daily practice. When people ask for, receive, and offer forgiveness to one another, you learn to forgive first. Conflict becomes less daunting, less destructive, less threatening because forgiveness strengthens and deepens relationships.
Reflect Jesus: At the heart of the Gospel is a forgiveness that changes everything. This is what Jesus did when he laid down his life for his friends, and this is what Jesus keeps doing in his friendship with you! When partners walk in Jesus’ direction together, they give the same love and compassion that God gives. Couples are able to grow in their relationship with God and with one another, creating a more meaningful connection.

Forgiveness is what helps your marriage grow deep roots. How can you and your spouse practice forgiveness so that emotional healing, unity, and greater intimacy can thrive and flourish?

Transforming Your Marriage Through Forgiveness