Ernest Smith

Last Friday, I started a new series for my blog.  I thought I would talk for a few posts on marriage and relationships.  I made it clear on Friday that I am not speaking from a place of being married 50 years, but rather almost 9 years and have been with Sara for over 12 years.  I am not acting like we have it all figured out, but rather here are some thoughts on how we have made it work thus far.

If you are married, are in a dating relationship, or one day hope to be married, I hope these relationship tips help you.

The first tip to having a successful marriage is Seek Jesus More Than the Opposite Sex. For more information on this tip, read this blog post.

Tip #2 to a Successful Marriage: Learn 3 Words…”I Am Sorry”

There are so many people who think that when they have found “Mr. Right” or “Mrs. Right”, everything is going to be great and they will live passion-filled lives like Noah and Allie from the Notebook.  Although this idea of marriage sounds appealing, it is simply not reality.

The reality is, every couple has their challenges and every couple commits egregious acts toward one another.  Every couple is going to do something multiple times that will offend, anger, and disappoint.  That is life and that is  relationships.

Therefore, if we want to have a successful marriage, we don’t need to keep our heads in the sand thinking that everything will be bliss, but rather learn how to recognize our faults and simple say “I Am Sorry.”

These 3 simple words will calm an argument.  These 3 simple words will help to extinguish the fiery arrows being thrown at one another.  These 3 simple words will turn words of animosity into words of adoration.

Now, I know these words may sound severe. “Fiery arrows.”  “Animosity.”  These words sound a little over-exaggerated for two people who love each other, right?  If you believe that, then you have not been together with your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend long enough.

Every couple goes through a rough patch.  You may be there now.  If you’re not, just be patient, its coming.  Can I  encourage you to say these three simple words?  I Am Sorry.  It doesn’t matter if you are “right.”  It doesn’t matter if you will be humbled.  It doesn’t matter if the other person will “win.”  What matters is that you find forgiveness, peace and God’s best.

You can find these things…but you must say these 3 simple words.  I AM SORRY!