“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.”   2 Corinthians 5:19-20 NLT

We are made in God’s image, and we are called to be His ambassadors in this world. He is in the reconciliation and forgiveness business. That makes me a partner in that same business. When I learned that fact, it changed my life and our marriage. When I finally took seriously God’s command to forgive, suddenly our marriage became much more joyful. Why? Because traces of bitterness toward anyone (I’m speaking of people other than my spouse but it works for all), affect my emotions negatively. I was often depressed and unable to communicate positively with my husband until I finally obeyed Jesus’ command to forgive unequivocally.

If you need reconciliation with anyone, dead or alive, forgive them today. Repent of your part in the schism, however small it might be in comparison to the injury, and watch the healing force of God change your outlook, your spirits, your attitude, and, not least of all, your marriage.

My Father,

You have never asked a human being to do something that Jesus didn’t do when He walked this planet. He set the standard, and it is not too high for me to attain with Your help. And your help is promised and therefore guaranteed. Your grace is sufficient. I take Your Grace today, thank you very much, and I extend it to every soul that has harmed or injured or offended me. Shed your light on my own heart. I repent of my sin and the deception that I’ve lived under, thinking everybody else is the problem, not me. What pride. What fantasy. Hallelujah you are giving me the mind of Christ, and I receive that mind today. As He is joyful and full of light, so am I in this world. And as you align my heart with your truth, align our marriage anew as well. Let this new freedom spill over and bring us closer to the destiny you have designed for our marriage covenant. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!