Christian remarriage is a journey that often arises from a past marked by brokenness and pain. One brick in the foundation for successful remarriage, or any marriage, lies in the principles of forgiveness and grace. In this episode of our Remarriage series, we explore the significance of these virtues in the context of Christian remarriage, drawing guidance from scripture and highlighting the transformative power of building a strong relationship.
Biblical Foundation of Forgiveness: The Bible places a profound emphasis on forgiveness as a cornerstone of Christian life. Colossians 3:13 states, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." In the context of remarriage, understanding and practicing forgiveness can pave the way for healing and restoration. We must also forgive ourselves for past mistakes, and learn to be vulnerable and transparent. Sharing our weaknesses and fears with one another is essential for this type of healing to take place.
Extending Grace in the Face of Imperfection: Recognizing our own imperfections and extending grace to our partner, fosters an environment of love and acceptance. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." No one is perfect and it is only by God’s grace that we are forgiven. We should strive to love one another just as Christ has loved us. We need to rely on Him to help us create a safe, grace-filled environment, despite our imperfections. A grace-filled environment then creates trust and a place for healing - allowing couples to move beyond past mistakes and build a future grounded in love.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness: Statistics show that couples who actively engage in forgiveness experience higher levels of marital satisfaction and overall well-being. Forgiveness also contributes to emotional healing and reduced levels of stress, creating an overall healthier environment for remarried families. Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to "get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
A Continuous Act of Love: Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continuous act of love. Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:21-22, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" Embracing a spirit of continuous forgiveness enables couples to navigate challenges with humility and resilience. This can be difficult but not impossible with Christ’s help. Eph 5:18-21 says to “be filled (up) with the spirit speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” It is often said “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. In the same way, we should look to Christ to continuously fill our “cup” with the love and grace we need to pour back into the lives of those around us.
Embracing a Future Grounded in Grace: As couples navigate the complexities of remarriage, Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast." Likewise, 1 John 4:19 says “ We love because He first loved us.” We are capable of giving love and grace because we have received love and grace. Leaning on these principles, remarried couples can look forward with hope and confidence, knowing that their union is sustained by God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.
Forgiveness and grace are integral to the success of Christian remarriage. Grounded in scripture, these virtues have the power to heal wounds, nurture love, and build a lasting foundation. As remarried couples embrace the transformative nature of forgiveness and grace, they embark on a journey of redemption and restoration, guided by God’s Word and sustained by the One who loved us first.
Related Podcast Episode:
Remarriage Hope and Redemption: Forgiveness and Grace
