My parents are good examples of patience, grace, and forgiveness in marriage. They have their disagreements, they can annoy each other from time to time, they have their fair share of miscommunications and misunderstandings, but they find ways to show grace and to extend forgiveness to each other. Because they have a good relationship and mutual respect, they are able to look past the passing words and actions that can be offensive.
Growing up, this was good for me to witness. Marriage is great, but it can be challenging at times and forgiveness is required for both spouses to be able to learn and grow. We should give grace when our partner unintentionally causes offense.
I know that when our hurt feelings are raw, grace and forgiveness are hard to give. We might feel justified in withholding forgiveness and acts of love, but all that does is extend the duration of our own hurt feelings. Of course, cases of abuse require justice, I do not think that anyone should have to tolerate any type of abuse, in those cases I urge you to seek help.
In the case of my parents, I believe that they are quick to forgive because they have a strong friendship. They trust that they are always on each others side, they are each others greatest support system, they are united in their goals and purpose.
These are the things that I want to strengthen in my marriage. We have only been married for about 3.5 months, but we have had opportunities to expend forgiveness to each other and have a more complete reconciliation.
I am grateful for the example of my parents who demonstrated that marriage is not perfect, but we can still love and forgive each other and move on.
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