Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
I have always enjoyed watching aerial acrobats perform. The skills of these artists require many hours of practice, and I’m sure many falls as well. Giant nets provide safety during practice. Time and again, these performers fall during training, but the nets permit them to land safely and try again. Forgiveness in marriage and family acts much like a safety net. Marriage and family life tends to get messy, and along the way there are many falls. Forgiveness provides a wonderful way for relationships to start over again, no matter how bad the fall. Forgiveness opens doors for amazing things in failing relationships.
One couple particularly comes to mind. The husband had committed adultery on repeated occasions. They had fought like cats and dogs. Months later the husband showed up at my office with a huge grin on his face, obviously excited to tell me something. He and his wife had forgiven one another a few weeks back and their marriage was now stronger than ever.
Jesus forgave us. And although it may be hard, we need to forgive each other.
