A primary way of nurturing love in a relationship …

A long time ago I read a story about a young boy who got into a heated argument with his best friend, Charlie.

That wasn’t the first time such outbursts had occurred between these friends.

But this time, the little boy turned and yelled at his friend, “I’m never playing with you again!” as he angrily stomped off.

The boy’s older brother had witnessed the exchange, but only shook his head at the interaction.

The next morning, the young boy rushed through breakfast and then started to run out the door when his older brother asked, “Hey, where are you going in such a hurry?”

“Me and Charlie are going exploring on our bikes,” the boy answered.

“I thought you were never going to play with him again,” said the big brother.

The young boy thought a moment, and then said before slipping out the door, “Well, me and Charlie are good forgivers!”

One of the most effective — one of the most important — ways to nurture love in a relationship is to be a “good forgiver,” a truth scripture explains like this:

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends,” Proverbs 17:9.

Being a “good forgiver” doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs or avoiding accountability; it means choosing to release bitterness and extend grace, just as God does for us. Forgiveness doesn’t just mend broken relationships, it strengthens them, creating a bond that can withstand life’s inevitable challenges.

In every relationship, there will be moments of disagreement and hurt. But when we choose forgiveness, we nurture love, restore connection, and honor the calling to live in peace with one another. After all, as Proverbs reminds us, love prospers in forgiveness. So, let’s strive to be good forgivers, making room for love to grow.

Scotty