Choosing forgiveness

Here’s a great idea…

Ruth Bell Graham has said that “a good marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”

In other words…

Our partners are going to irritate us. That’s inevitable. How we manage the frustration is our choice. When we choose to be mad, we enjoy the pleasure of self-justification. But we are destroying a relationship. It’s a little like gnawing on your own arm for food. You may have a lovely meal but a miserable life.

Here’s how you can use this idea to have a better life…

Forgiveness is liberating. When your partner does something that irritates you, you can choose to be compassionate—to understand your partner rather than condemn him or her. You can look for the good point he or she is making and be grateful for it rather than chafe at any perceived insult.

To find out more…

about couple relationships, check out The Marriage Garden program or Getting Our Hearts Right at arfamilies.org, follow us at facebook.com/navigatinglife or contact your local county Extension agent.