Asking for forgiveness will be a CONSTANT occurrence in a healthy marriage. Get used to saying “I'm sorry.” And “I forgive you”.
T W O D E G R E E S O F
F O R G I V E N E S S
D E G R E E 1 : Forgiveness for the occasional offense or mistake.
To be used when you already have a relationship of trust, saying “I'm sorry” and “I forgive you” is a regular occurrence, and amends can be made quickly. Admit, specifically and sincerely, the thing you need forgiveness for and ask for their forgiveness.
Example: “I am so sorry I didn't take the trash out when you asked me to today. It slipped my mind and I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
D E G R E E 2 : Forgiveness for the repetitive, perpetual issues that create consistent pain or tension.
Necessary when trust has been damaged because of repetitive offenses.
B E F O R E Y O U A S K
for Degree 2 Forgiveness:
Think of the SPECIFIC things for which you are guilty.
Determine that you do not want to do those things again out of LOVE for your spouse.
Compile a list of resources—boundaries, accountability people, studies, guardrails, etc.—to add to your life so that you do not repeat the actions.
A S K I N G for Degree 2 Forgiveness:
“I need to ask for forgiveness.”
“Here are the things of which I am guilty.” Be SPECIFIC & HONEST. Confess.
“I do not want to do these things again.”
“Here is a list of resources that I believe will assist me, boundaries, accountability people, studies, guardrails I am adding to my life so that I do not repeat these actions.” Share your previously compiled list.
“Will you forgive me?”
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