HELP FOR THE FAMILY/MARRIAGE -How to Forgive

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Understand what forgiveness involves. In the Bible, at times the word "forgive" means "let go." So forgiveness does not always require that you forget what happened or minimize the wrong. Sometimes it means that you simply need to let go of a matter, for you own well-being and that of your marriage.

Recognized the consequences of not forgiving.  Some experts say that holing on to resentment can put you at greater risk for a wide range of physical and emotional  problems, including depression and high blood pressure-not to mention the damage it does to your marriage.  For good reason, the Bible says:  "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving on another." - EPHESIANS 4:32. 

Recognize the benefits of forgiving. A spirit of forgiveness allows you and your mate to give each other the benefit of the doubt rather than  to "keep score" of wrongs.  That, in turn, helps you to create an environment that keeps resentment  in check and allows love to grow. -Bible principle COLOSSIANS 3:13. 

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/MARRIAGE - Conclusion of Forgiveness

From the jw.org publications