Forgiveness is not just something we offer when it feels convenient—it is a command rooted in the character of Christ. In marriage, where two flawed people walk intimately and closely together, forgiveness is not optional—it’s vital. It is the lifeblood of lasting covenant love.

Our springboard for today’s discussion is:"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32

Marriage reveals both the beauty and brokenness in each of us. And because of that, there will be moments—sometimes many—when you will hurt one another. Sometimes it will be unintentional. Sometimes it won’t.

But forgiveness is not about justifying the hurt. It’s about releasing it.

When Christ forgave you, He didn’t wait until you deserved it. He didn’t require you to fix yourself first. He extended grace freely, fully, and without condition. That same grace is what you’ve been called to offer within your marriage.

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the wound—but it removes the weight. It’s not a denial of pain—it’s a decision to surrender the right to hold it against your spouse.

This doesn’t mean we avoid hard conversations or overlook repeated patterns that need healing. But it does mean we refuse to become prisoners of resentment. Because unforgiveness doesn't only distance us from our spouse—it distances us from God.

The world says hold on to offenses. God says release them. And when we choose His way, we make room for healing, reconciliation, and restored trust.

Question of the Day:What offense have you been holding on to that God is asking you to release?

Mini Call to Action:Take a moment today in prayer. Name the offense. Then release it to God, even if you need to do it in tears. If appropriate, speak words of forgiveness to your spouse—or start by writing them down.

Let’s Pray:Lord, teach us how to forgive as You forgave us. Break the grip of bitterness, and heal what has been broken. Fill our hearts with grace, and help us walk in the freedom of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s Get To Work!Forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s the strength to choose love over offense.

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