Forgiveness is not easily obtained. Hebrews 9:22 makes that abundantly clear. Without it, though, no relationship can thrive. If you want to improve your relationship, you have to recognize where forgiveness is needed. The first step is to get alone with God and pray this prayer: “Lord, You know what I live with, and You know how I’ve been treated. But I know that I am not perfect, and I want to know where I am failing in my relationship. What am I doing and saying that I shouldn’t? What am I failing to do and say that I should?

That is a prayer God will answer. He will show you your failure. You may want to write them down as God brings them to your mind.

Confess your failures to God. “Lord, I know that these are wrong. Thank you that Christ has paid for these sins. I ask for Your forgiveness.”

According to Scripture, the moment you ask, you are forgiven. Thank God for His forgiveness. Then pray, “Lord, help me to do something good with my life today.” When you confess your sins and receive forgiveness, you have taken the first step in improving your relationship.

Take some time to pray individually or together.

Pray to thank God sincerely for the forgiveness you’ve received.

Ask the Lord to bring to mind any thoughts, attitudes, words, or actions that you need forgiveness for.

Confess your wrongdoing and ask for His forgiveness.

Take time to reflect on these questions:

What role does pride play in your unresolved conflicts with your relationship?

How do you counteract that pride?

What can you do right now to improve your relationship?

Consider these passages for further study on Confession:

Psalm 32:5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

I John 1:9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness.

Great thoughts of Gary Chapman a great way to relook at your relationships and start each day with a fresh start.