30 Inspiring quotes to forgive your spouse

Forgiveness is one of the keys to a long-lasting and happy marriage, it is a tough choice we have to make to protect our marriage from falling apart. 

Although it is not easy, it is rewarding once we overcome our resentment toward our spouse. 

In this blog, we will discover some inspiring quotes to help us forgive our spouse, beginning with knowing the true meaning of forgiveness in the Bible. 

Understanding forgiveness in the Bible

Offering forgiveness is a divine act of mercy that God does, and people must do it. This links between a perfect God and flawed people and between people themselves.

Through the story of redemption and Jesus' teachings, the Bible clarifies that forgiveness is important for spiritual growth, personal freedom, and the health of individuals and groups.

In the Old Testament, people offered animals so God could forgive them for their sins. In the New Testament, Jesus became the lamb for us to be reconciled and forgiven for our sins. 

Thus, forgiveness is the greatest act of love that gives us freedom and connects us to God again. 

Inspiring quotes to forgive your spouse

To get through the rough spots of marriage, you must be patient, understanding, and ready to forgive. 

As we journey through the highs and lows with our life partners, these inspiring quotes gently remind us of the transformative power of forgiveness in a relationship.

"In every marriage, forgiveness is the secret to a lasting love." – Anonymous

"To err is human; to forgive, divine." – Alexander Pope

"The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest." – Unknown

"Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right; it makes you free." – Stormie Omartian

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers." – Ruth Bell Graham

"Forgiveness is the oil of all relationships." – Anonymous

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." – Lewis B. Smedes

"Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." – Buddha

"Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." – Suzanne Somers

"Marriage thrives in a climate of love, honor, and forgiveness." – Unknown

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." – Mark Twain

"Without forgiveness, there's no future." – Desmond Tutu

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." – Mahatma Gandhi

"Love is an endless act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." – Maya Angelou

"Forgiveness in marriage is in direct proportion to your ability to love your spouse." – Unknown

"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." – Bryant H. McGill

"True forgiveness is when you can say, 'Thank you for that experience.'" – Oprah Winfrey

"Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you never got." – R. Brault

"To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it." – Confucius

"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." – Oscar Wilde

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude." – Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody." – Maya Angelou

"The act of forgiveness takes place in our own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person." – Louise Hay

"Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future." – Lewis B. Smedes

"When a deep injury is done to us, we never heal until we forgive." – Nelson Mandela

"Forgiveness is the final form of love." – Reinhold Niebuhr

"The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world." – Marianne Williamson

"Forgiveness isn't just a blessing you deliver to another human being. It's also a gift you give yourself." – Robin Sharma

"In marriage, everyday you love, and everyday you forgive. It is an ongoing sacrament, love and forgiveness." – Bill Moyers

"The best way to appreciate someone is to imagine your life without them. And then forgive and hold them close." – Anonymous

Benefits of Forgiving Your Spouse

If you desire a healthier relationship and better overall health, forgiving your spouse is essential. Forgiving others can lead to big changes in your life emotionally and in your relationships. 

Here are some benefits when we choose to forgive our spouses.

Deepened Intimacy: Forgiveness opens the door to vulnerability, leading to a deeper emotional connection and understanding between partners.

Mental Well-being: Letting go of resentment and bitterness reduces stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental health.

Physical Health: Holding onto negative emotions can have tangible effects on physical health, while forgiveness can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and improve heart health.

Strengthened Trust: When coupled with open communication, forgiveness can rebuild and even strengthen the trust within a relationship.

Emotional Growth: The act of forgiving helps individuals grow emotionally, teaching them empathy, compassion, and resilience.

Fosters Positivity: Letting go of past grievances can help partners focus on the positive aspects of their relationship. This fosters an environment of gratitude and joy.

Breaks the Cycle: Forgiveness can halt the cycle of blame and resentment, preventing recurring arguments and misunderstandings.

Encourages Open Communication: Working through the process of forgiveness often involves open and honest communication, laying the groundwork for better understanding in the future.

Enhances Personal Growth: Forgiving allows individuals to reflect, learn, and grow from experiences, shaping them into more compassionate beings.

Builds a Stronger Bond: Facing challenges and choosing to forgive solidifies the relationship, demonstrating commitment and the ability to overcome obstacles together.

Promotes Healing: Forgiveness is a pivotal step in the healing process, allowing both partners to move forward and embrace a renewed sense of purpose in their relationship.

Boosts Self-esteem: By choosing forgiveness, individuals often feel a sense of accomplishment and righteousness, bolstering their self-worth.

Encourages a Healthy Family Environment: Children learn by example, and witnessing acts of forgiveness teaches them valuable lessons about conflict resolution, understanding, and love.

A Prayer for Forgiving My Spouse

We cannot forgive alone, and we always need God’s help. Here is a sample prayer we could utter to be empowered to free ourselves from pain and resentment.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the stillness of this moment, I come to you, seeking the strength to forgive. You, who forgive us unconditionally, teach me to extend that grace to my spouse. As I reflect on our journey, help me look past the pain, focusing instead on love and understanding.

God, grant me the clarity to see the genuine remorse in my spouse’s heart and the wisdom to separate mistakes from intent. Help me remember the times I, too, have erred and how I yearned for forgiveness. 

Soften my heart, Lord, so that I might let go of lingering resentments.

I pray for a renewal of our bond and for mending any cracks formed by misunderstandings and errors. Pour your healing love into our relationship, reminding us why we chose each other initially.

God, guide my words and actions to reflect kindness and forgiveness. Encourage us both to communicate openly, building a foundation of trust and respect.

May your divine guidance strengthen our love to overcome all challenges.

In choosing forgiveness, let us grow closer, celebrating the beauty of the second chances you grant us each day.

In your loving name, I pray.

Amen.