In the early years of our marriage, Grace and I kept getting stuck in the same cul de sac, driving round and round going nowhere. When we hit a rough patch, like a relational archaeologist, I would dig up one thing from the past and use it to emotionally discourage my wife.
Why?
There was something I had not forgiven and, as a result, was keeping a record of wrongs. I had to learn, and likely we all need to learn, God’s principles of reality, repentance, and reward.
Reality is found in Proverbs 20:9 [NIV] which says, “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?” Not only are we married to a sinner, so is our spouse. At some point, even the most loving couples disappoint and/or hurt one another. Therefore, since perfection is impossible, we need to keep practicing repentance if we are the offender, and forgiveness if we are the offended.
Repentance is found in Proverbs 14:16 [ESV] which says, “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” Turning away from evil is the act of repentance. Practically, repentance is a change of mind and heart, which leads to a change in the decisions we make and direction of life we choose.
Reward is found in Proverbs 13:21 [ESV] which says, “Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.”
God is gracious. When we turn from the wrong and turn to the right, He steps in with favor and blessing. If you look back on your life, you will see this which will give you faith for your future.