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?
marriage more established having weathered tough times
may be teenagers in the house
emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
the greatest need is to support and encourage each other
Winter
empty-nest stage for many
probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
can be the most exciting stage of marriage
the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication
Reflect on what you’ve heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you’ve worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you’re currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?
