Forgiveness in marriage is vital for a marriage to work.  Due to the fact that neither a wife nor a husband is sinless, we must learn to forgive.  I really like this definition of forgiveness:  giving up my right to hurt you, for hurting me.  Wow if that isnt  the truth!!  When we are hurt, lied to or betrayed by someone our natural instinct is payback. It is impossible to live on this fallen planet without getting hurt, offended, misunderstood, lied to, and rejected. 

What does the Bible say?

-Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

-Hebrews 12:14-15 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"

-Luke 17:4 "And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

-Proverbs 20:22 "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee"

-Colossians 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye"

A couple really great quotes:

"Forgiveness is giving love when there is no reason to love and no guarantee that love will be returned."  Walter Wangerin, Jr

"Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice we make, and often it goes against every self-centered fiber of our being." Linda Dillow