GRANTING FORGIVENESS IS TOUGH

GRANTING FORGIVENESS IS TOUGH

As difficult as it is to ask for forgiveness, it can be even more difficult at times to grant forgiveness to someone who has wronged you.  And this is every bit as true in marriage—maybe even more so—than it is in any other relationship.

I often advise married couples to take out a joint membership in the Seventy Times Seven Club.  This club began when Peter asked Jesus how many times we must forgive one another.  Peter wondered if seven times would be enough?  Christ answered, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt.18:22).  In other words, forgive an infinite number of times, not just when you feel like it.

You can tell when you have forgiven your spouse by asking yourself one simple question:  Have I given up my desire to punish my mate?  When you say aside that desire and no longer seek revenge, you free your spouse and yourself from the bonds of your anger.