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Keeping the peace and harmony in marriage can be solved by two simple words; “I’m sorry”.  These two words will change an atmosphere from frosty to warm in a very quick moment.

Forgiveness in Your Marriage

Dr. Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth said that “marriage is the partnership of two very good forgivers”.

Most of us realize that we hurt the ones we love and asking for forgiveness – quickly – can get rid of so much tension, stress and pain in marriage.  Keeping peace in the home is so worthwhile – nobody wants to come to a home full of strife after a long day at work.  Home should be peaceful, calm, fun and a place to be yourselves.  Forgiveness makes this possible.

The two words “I’m sorry” can get stuck in my throat – my husband is waaaaay quicker and apologizing than I am.  Saying “sorry” to him used to take days but I have learned to quickly “clear the air” because I really dislike tensions between us.

The Mayo Clinic says “Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life”.

Forgiving is so important to any relationship – with your parents, friends, children and with your spouse.  My parents had a policy in our house that once we had apologized and dealt with it, the subject wasn’t brought up again.  This is such an important learning lesson that I was able to bring into my marriage.  When you fight – and rest assured, you will fight – try not to bring up events or situations hurts from the past.

Moving on from past mistakes is so important, and the sooner we can do this the better for our health and happiness.  I’m not talking about huge errors in judgment here, but more like things I’ve done (dented the car, forgot to deposit a check, bought something I really wanted but never used – the Sewing Machine Purchase of ’95) that I needed to apologize for.  Saying sorry is easier for some personalities than others.  If, like me, you find it hard to say, make the effort because it really is worth it.

Forgiveness makes everything flow smoother and life is sweeter for it.