Forgiveness IS essential and one of the greatest forces for healing In a marriage
Degrees of difficulty in forgiving
o Jesus on the cross of those who crucified him
o Small Issues, e.g. husband or wife forqeting to do something or making you late
o Big issues, e.g. unfaithfulness
Forgiveness, is first and foremost, a choice, not a feeling
• Question is not, "Do we feel like forgiving?
• Question IS, "Will we forgive? Will we let go of our self-pity / demand for justice / desire to retaliate?"
Question:What does forgiveness mean to you? Have you been forgiven, or had to forgive someone recently? Do you find it easy, or hard to forgive?
The four seasons of marriage (not every marriage will go through each stage, but the principles apply to all marriages)
Spring
early years of marriage
season of discovery and excitement
initial infatuation will wear off at some stage
the greatest need is to accept each other
Summer
season of increased activity and demands
may become parents during this season
may face pressures of infertility
careers can be more demanding
the greatest need is to give time to the marriage relationship
Reflect on what you’ve heard so far. Talk together about the pressures you’ve worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you’re currently facing.
