Facing the Breaking Point

Everyone and every relationship will be subjected to strenuous periods of testing. A marriage may produce enough intense conflict to stretch its moral and emotional fiber to the breaking point. Even when conflict is unavoidable, it can be managed by establishing communication so that forgiveness can be explored and experienced. 

Forgiveness is both a spiritual and a moral responsibility although not easy to initiate or achieve. Yet those who have experienced forgiveness know how transforming it can be. Transformation occurs when you accept another's willingness to apologize and to make things right by changing their behavior that had caused you pain and suffering.

Forgiveness includes changing your mind about someone so there can be a favorable response that replaces doubt, distrust or even hatred. Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation involves renewing your mind, including a newness to the way you think. Forgiveness is transforming because it produces an atmosphere where love and affection can flourish.

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Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God is good, acceptable to him and perfect.

~Romans 12:2 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”

~Luke 6:35-36 The Message