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Dennis Rainey: One of the greatest gifts you can give your mate is the gift of forgivness.
Guest:
1. One thing that is very difficult to forgive is unkept promises.
2. To me something that is difficult to forgive is something that attacks your most inner being. [ Read Full Transcript ]
3. Whenever someone betrays your trust. Because you've invested a lot of time in building that relationship.
Dennis Rainey: Relationships can be difficult, but granting forgiveness is crucial for every husband and every wife. As Ruth Bell Graham says, "A good marriage is the union of two forgivers."
One way you can tell if you've truly forgiven your mate is to ask yourself, "Have I given up my desire to punish them?" When you lay aside that desire and no longer seek revenge, you free your spouse and yourself from the bonds of your anger.
As believers in Jesus Christ, you and I have been forgiven much. We don't have the option of becoming embittered with our spouses.
One final thought. Take some time and examine your heart. Are you holding on to any bitterness toward your spouse? Are you punishing them for any past hurts or mistakes they've made? It's time to free them through the power of forgiveness.
I'm Dennis Rainey, and that's Real FamilyLife.
