Listen to this devotion
Forgiveness: Keep no record of wrongs.
In the Word
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
Of the Word
It is always nice to have an ace up your sleeve. If you get in a spot, you can rely on that one piece of information that will give you an advantage during an argument or disagreement. The world tells us to gain an advantage. Do what it takes to win. Look out for yourself. The problem is that God simply doesn't want His children to live that way.
Jesus says: love your enemies, give to the one who asks you, be merciful. There will be times when your spouse wrongs you and you will wrong your spouse. To keep track of those wrongs is, well, wrong. When you forgive your spouse, you give up the right to get even. You clean the slate. You erase the file. St. Paul says that [love] keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5b).
In order for your marriage to grow and thrive, forgiveness must be at the heart. This is exactly what is found at the heart of our relationship with Christ. We are able to remain in relationship with God because we are forgiven by Christ.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Redeemer, thank You for forgiving our sins because You paid for them on the cross. Help us to forgive each other and hold no grudges against one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 8/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
