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Billy Graham's Daily Devotion

Forgiveness in Marriage

June 20, 2013

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
–1 John 1:9

It is unfortunate in a marriage if there is an array of sordid memories of past sins on the part of either partner. If young people could only realize that a happy marriage depends not only on the present, but upon the past, they would be more reluctant to enter into loose, intimate relations with anyone and everyone. Many a marriage has been imperiled by the backlash of past sins, which were not just confessed, but “found out.”

As to the necessity of confessing past sins to one’s mate, I don’t think it is always advisable or necessary. I have known of homes that were wrecked by such confessions. The main thing is to confess any past wrongs to God, resolve to be true to your marriage vows; and absolve the black past by a spotless present.

Prayer for the day

Thank You for forgiving and forgetting the past. Help me to do the same, Lord.

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16 Comments

Robert T says 6.20.2012, 8:14 p.m.

I am now 79 yrs old.I was saved when I was a young man,and said a lot of bad things that were not true about Mr. Graham.I realized how wrong I was and I need to ask Mr.Graham to forgive me please.Its troubled me all these years Please forgive me.Bob

06/20 ralph says 6.20.2012, 10:11 a.m.

Are God and LORD I am torn up with grief I know you are here but I cannot see past my sorrows and tears be with me Lord guide me through these dark days and bring your light to my life so that I may see your goodness even in my mourning Jesus is Lord

Bill says 6.20.2012, 09:08 a.m.

In unfaithfulness to a spouse, immediately confess this sin to the Lord asking for His foregivness and seek His wisdom and counsel if one should confess this to their spouse, now or later, but definitely pursue His counsel for the marriage to last

Joe says 6.20.2012, 08:29 a.m.

Praise be to God.

George says 6.20.2012, 08:21 a.m.

I have confessed my sins to my God for my sins of the past and have asked for forgiveness every day.

Gerry says 6.20.2012, 08:00 a.m.

Regretful things done in our past cannot be changed ......but better choices in the present and future, are a must for God's children.

Judy says 6.20.2012, 02:41 a.m.

Amen - confessions to God are paramount; to individuals sometimes offends and causes anguish.

Annie says 6.19.2012, 10:05 a.m.

"A rope made of three cords is hard to break (Ecclesiastes 4:9). LORD, when You are in our midst nothing can go wrong, help us to forgive one another and unite all of us with Your CORD OF LOVE......!

Vonda says 6.20.2011, 12:42 a.m.

If you realize the sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ on the cross to forgive our sins and to enable us to go directly to the Father through him, forgiveness should be easy for us in any circumstance. All glory goes to God!

Dino says 6.20.2011, 12:34 a.m.

I felt a disservice to my wife through past sins and not telling her. I have told her everything and we are working it out. Hard? For sure...impossible for God to get us through it...never. it felt like I was lying to her everyday. I prayed about it for nearly a year before telling her, but it was worth it.

Tracy says 6.20.2011, 12:21 a.m.

Cleaning up a sordid marriage can be one of the hardest things to do, but it can be done. Good Christian counseling is a must!

Mary says 6.20.2011, 12:18 a.m.

I agree, the past is the past, but when you continue to be unfaithful to your spouse after you are married, that is a big problem. I have been in a situation like this for 34 years. Why? I don't know!

mick says 6.20.2011, 12:07 a.m.

The more we say to God, the less we need to negatively say to our spouse!

Adeline says 6.20.2011, 08:22 a.m.

I totally agree that we must ask God to forgive us, yesterday is history. God is The Ultimate Judge overall. I will be a good, faithful wife when I get married, I am asking God for a good, faithful husband.

Rich says 6.20.2011, 07:39 a.m.

Lord another week has started. please be with me and help in my struggles.

Gerry says 6.20.2011, 07:30 a.m.

No one entering into a marriage is sinless. Couples should acknowledge that their new spouses have probably made a few poor choices prior to meeting each other. It is vital to the success of their marriage however that they are absolutely honest with each other from then onward. The main ingredient for them is for both to seek God's guidance through daily prayer and studying his word. Then love and respect each other always.

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