The importance of forgiveness in relationships

How do long term marriages or even friendships survive.  It requires a combination of commitment , perserverance and forgiveness.  No relationship can survive every slight being talked about and processed, neither can it weather never addressing conflict.  Proverbs 10:12 says “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses,” and 1 Peter 4:8 says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  So I think if we are able to truly  let offenses go without developing bitterness and resentment and thus hindering the relationship, that is the way to go.  However if on honest examination, someone else offense is causing us to harbor hurt, resentment and bitterness we need to talk it through.   

 Here is a a great article by Dr. Henry Cloud that addresses the need for forgiveness in marriage.

 

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