There are many words that could potentially describe a marriage between a husband and wife. Critical. Crucial. Loving. Lifelong. Impactful. Tested. Hard. Strained. Fragile. Fickle. Impossible.

As we can see, some of the words are positive. Some of the words make us cringe. Marriage is simultaneously the toughest and most rewarding relationship on earth, second only to our relationship with The Father.

So while we can describe marriage in many positive terms, many of the negative terms creep into marriages because of another word: Guilt.

“What if they knew what I've done, or who I really am deep down? Would they still love me?”

“How can anyone love me after the things I've said to them? I don't deserve that kind of love.”

Without a proper view of true forgiveness, guilt can infect a marriage like an untreated virus, never fully going away; always hanging around the edges. If our spouses have forgiven us for our faults, and we have forgiven them for theirs, guilt has no place in a marriage. It's there because the evil one wants to end your marriage.

Forgive. Be forgiven. Reflect Jesus in your relationship with your spouse, then you can use even better words to describe your marriage.

Loyal. Loving. Forgiving. Judgement-free. Friendship. Partnership. Worship.

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for wisdom. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have. Intercede for your immediate family and other relatives regarding their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.