In late August, just a few short months ago, my husband and I stood at the altar of a small church packed with our closest friends and family and vowed to love and care for one another in sickness and in health.

Among other things, we also vowed to forgive each other when times got tough. In fact, in the months leading up to our wedding, the advice that we were offered over and over again by veteran married couples was “don’t go to bed angry”.

The sheer number of times I heard this phrase emphasized its importance. And whether the advice-givers knew it or not, that little line of advice comes from Scripture. Ephesians 4:26 says,

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (NIV).

This advice is valuable, if not always easy to follow. It is also not exclusive to marriage, nor is it all that the Bible has to offer in the way of advice on forgiveness.

2014 has come to a close and 2015 has arrived, like every new year, with promises of change. As we all create our lists of resolutions and embrace this fresh start, this may be the perfect time take a look at our relationships. Here is some advice from Scripture that could help us forgive better this year.

1. Before entering into worship, resolve your issues.
   We are told in Matthew, “...if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.” Matthew 5:23-24 (CEV)
   God wants us to worship Him only after we have made our peace with others.
2. Remember that forgiveness is not a one-time deal.
   Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someonewho does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” Jesus answered: Not just 7 times, but 77 times!” Matthew 18:21-22 (CEV)
   We are all sinful people living in a sinful world. There is no cap for the number of times we should forgive one another – we should forgive each other quickly and endlessly.
3. Take heart, because you too have been forgiven.
   Colossians 3:13 says, “ Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.” (GNT)
   The fact that God forgives us every time we sin against Him and repent of that sin is more than enough reason for us to live a life full of forgiveness towards others—no matter what grievances we may have against one another.