Nine Days to Nurture: Forgiveness.

Hello, friends!

It's been a little bit since I've posted, but we are moving forward with our ND2N series! Today is on forgiveness.

There's so much I can say about forgiveness, but we will keep it simple. Without it, relationships cannot endure. Without it, bitter and coarse feelings erode the safety and love that once existed. When forgiveness is present, wounds can heal and marriages can be restored.

One thing's for sure about forgiveness, though: it ain't easy. When you're required to forgive, sometimes it's easier to stay angry. Sometimes it's easier to refuse forgiveness in order to guard your heart from hurting. But in the end, forgiveness breaks down walls that are unnecessary. Don't build your walls so high that you never see the light of day again.

Tenderness is beautiful, not weak. Don't allow false ideas of what forgiveness is to stop you from repairing wrongs. You don't have to condone bad behavior to forgive. The other person doesn't have to deserve forgiveness for you to offer it.

I have seen many examples of forgiveness in my life, and one thing I know for sure is that forgiveness is one of the most beautiful manifestations of love. It can be hard to seek forgiveness and to give it to others, but if you want your marriage (or any other relationship, for that matter) to endure, forgiveness is key.

Next time, we'll talk about respect.

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