We will have a chapter just on the topic of forgiveness; however, we need to understand that it is a vital part of communication. Both husbands and wives make mistakes now and then, and they each need to apologize when they do so. James tells us:
Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16a).
For a marriage to develop good communication, each partner must be willing to admit their mistakes. This is the way that the relationship can be healed. It is also one way to show respect for a spouse. Confession precedes forgiveness; it is difficult to forgive someone who refuses to admit doing something wrong.
Be sincere when asking for forgiveness. If a wife says, “If I made a mistake, then forgive me,” this is not an admission of guilt. Remove the “if”, and simply say, “I made a mistake; please forgive me.”
Husbands also make mistakes and should be willing to admit it when they do. Some men think that their wives will lose respect for them if they admit doing something wrong; however, the opposite is true. Wives respect their husbands even more when they are willing to admit that they’ve made a mistake.
And, of course, when one has admitted that they made a mistake—or even when they don’t admit the mistake—there needs to be forgiveness. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:13:
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Remember how God has forgiven you of so many sins and be willing to forgive your spouse. It is absolutely necessary in order for communication to be healthy. Holding grudges is one way to kill communication