Colossians 3:12-14 tells us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Encouraging forgiveness in marriage through scripture involves understanding its biblical basis, praying for grace and strength, and practicing kindness and compassion. Scripture emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a core element of a healthy marriage, mirroring God’s forgiveness of us. 

Here’s how to leverage scripture to foster forgiveness:

1. Reflect on Scripture:

• Meditate on verses like Ephesians 4:32 (“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”) and Colossians 3:13 (“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”).
• Remember that God’s forgiveness is the model we should follow in our relationships.
• Consider verses like Matthew 18:21-22, where Jesus says we should forgive “seventy times seven”. 

2. Pray for God’s Grace and Strength:

• Pray for God’s grace to extend mercy and compassion to your spouse. 
• Pray for strength to move forward and heal from hurt. 
• Ask God to help you see your spouse with a fresh perspective. 

3. Practice Forgiveness:

Stemming from the example of God’s grace and love. It involves confessing wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness, and releasing resentment. This can be achieved through open communication, humble confessions, and actively choosing to extend forgiveness as God has forgiven us.

Forgiveness in marriage is rooted in biblical principles of love, grace, and mercy. Christians are called to forgive each other as God has forgiven them. Openly admitting wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from God and each other is a crucial step. This creates an environment of honesty and vulnerability, allowing for healing and reconciliation. Forgiveness is not merely a feeling; it’s a conscious decision to release resentment and bitterness. It involves surrendering hurt to God and trusting His wisdom and timing. 

• Be kind and tenderhearted: Ephesians 4:32 encourages this approach, emphasizing the importance of being kind and compassionate, just as God has been to us. 
• Refrain from bitterness and anger: Ephesians 4:32 also instructs us to let go of bitterness, wrath, and anger, which can hinder forgiveness. 
• Remember God’s forgiveness: Remind yourself that God forgives you, and you must also forgive your spouse. 
• Be patient and understanding: Forgiveness can be a process, so be patient with yourself and your spouse.
• Show true contrition and remorse: If you have hurt your partner, acknowledge the pain you have caused and commit to not repeating the hurtful behavior. 
• Make amends: Be open to making amends for your actions and accepting the consequences. 
• Forgive quickly: Don’t let grudges build up, but instead, make a conscious effort to forgive quickly. 

Honest and open communication is essential for resolving conflicts and addressing hurt feelings. Active listening and empathy are key to understanding each other’s perspectives. Seeing the situation from your spouse’s perspective and having compassion for their pain can make it easier to forgive. Prayer for wisdom, grace, and the ability to forgive is essential. Praying together can strengthen the bond and deepen understanding. Sometimes, seeking guidance from a trusted Christian counselor or pastor can be helpful in processing hurt and learning to forgive.