Lesson 12

Does forgiveness happen instantly?

Forgiveness can be described as both a decision and a process. Through Bible study and counseling, Kay began to understand that she needed God’s help to soften her heart toward forgiving her husband.  “To me, forgiveness is a process,” she described as she discussed her situation. “It does take time and is not like a light switch I could just turn off and on.  I was deeply hurt by the one I loved most.  God helped me every step of the way.  Being kind and loving does not diminish the hurt that was brought into our marriage, but it is an example of God’s forgiveness in this world.”

We all need forgiveness when we have failed to live according to God’s Word.  Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins. “So overflowing is His kindness toward us that He took away all our sins through the blood of His Son, by whom we are saved; and He has showered down upon us the richness of His grace.”  (Ephesians 1:7-8a)

The first step is to make the decision to forgive your husband for his sexual sins, then seek God’s leading to show you through His Word how to continue processing that decision to forgive.