These daily marriage devotionals are compiled from verses that we have shared with Christian couples in many counseling sessions over many years. Please read one per day and meditate on how it applies to your marriage. (Note: if you are not certain you are a Christian, please read The Sinner’s Prayer)
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
In this verse, the Greek word for “forgiving” is “charizomai,” which means to show grace or to freely forgive without holding a grudge. In marriage, this means not only apologizing for our mistakes but also extending forgiveness to our spouse when they apologize to us.
The importance of apology and forgiveness can also be seen throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament, we see the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 50:17-18. Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery, yet when they came to him seeking forgiveness, he replied, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph forgave his brothers and shows us the power of forgiveness in healing relationships.
In the New Testament, we see the story of Peter and Jesus in John 21:15-19. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times, but Jesus forgave him and restored their relationship. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” This shows us that even when we make the biggest mistakes, Jesus’ love and forgiveness is always available to us.
Forgiving and apologizing is not always easy, it requires humility and vulnerability. But as Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus, who “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” - Philippians 2:6-7. This means putting the needs of others before our own and being willing to humble ourselves and apologize when we have hurt our spouse.
In conclusion, apology and forgiveness are essential aspects of a healthy Christian marriage. It requires humility, vulnerability, and following the example of Jesus. The Bible gives us examples of how forgiveness and apology can heal relationships and restore broken connections.
Next steps
The perspective of a successful marriage – If this perspective can lead to an incredible Olympic victory, imagine what it can do for your marriage. It’s almost a miracle!
7 Characteristics of a Real, Genuine, Sincere Apology – A real apology comes from a humble heart that is truly sorry and repentant. But nothing is worse than a faint apology, a false apology, or a non-apology.
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If you miss one, two, or many days, don’t worry about it and don’t try to catch up. Just start where you are and keep going. We have found the Holy Spirit can prompt you to return to just the passage you need for today.
This is an ongoing labor of love because these marriage devotionals will never be finished, but we have to start somewhere, so we will update often. We appreciate your support and prayers because this is a work of God not us. And please forgive us because we have never found a verse that doesn’t apply to marriage somehow.
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Going beyond marriage devotionals
- Leave and cleave – God gave husbands instruction to leave and cleave because they need to break ties with their birth-families to forge their marriages
- The perspective of a successful marriage – If this perspective can lead to an incredible Olympic victory, imagine what it can do for your marriage. It’s almost a miracle!
- Biblical relationship checkup – This Biblical relationship checkup helps couples find where they are on God’s map of a successful marriage and find direction for improvement
- Help for hurting marriages – When I am weak, then I am strong. Help for hurting marriages is found in the wisdom of these Bible scriptures. Apply them as often as needed.
- Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage by Rob Green – Field-tested and recommended by multiple counselors in a thriving counseling practice, Tying the Knot has already guided many couples into a stronger and more joyful union. Let this nine-week pre-marriage study reorient your life and marriage around Christ, so you both will experience all the blessings of marriage as God designed it.
- Love Life for Every Married Couple: How to Fall in Love, Stay in Love, Rekindle Your Love by Ed Wheat – This is a favorite classic book because it has stood the test of time. Physician Ed Wheat has helped thousands of couples improve their love lives and build happier marriages. In Love Life for Every Married Couple, he’ll help you improve your marriage through sharing, touching, appreciating, and focusing healing attention on your mate.