Recently I heard a speaker that challenged me…He shared that he knew the eight magical words that could conquer any conflict in marriage. Wow, I thought…as one who’s in marriage ministry, I’m eager to discover what these magical words were. But before letting us in on a secret, the speaker warned us that the eight magic words might be harder for us to say than we might ever imagine. He was afraid that many of us wouldn’t have the strength and courage to utter these powerful words to our spouses. As we were on the edge of our seats, the moment of truth finally arrived. After the dramatic pause, he clearly articulated these eight words…“I’m sorry. I was wrong. You were right.” My initial thought was, “That’s it??…I’m sorry. I was wrong. You were right.”
Then the attitude needed to speak those words hit me like a ton of bricks. And I realized how powerful that simple and humble phrase could be in marriages. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed” I Peter 4:8 says, “above all, keep loving one another earnestly because sincere love covers a multitude of sins.”
Over the years I’ve come to realize that when arguments occur in my marriage, Karen and I begin to do and say things that don’t honor and glorify God. When I say (and truly mean) these eight words, I’m admitting my mistake and beginning to diffuse the pressure that’s been building up between us. By assuming my responsibility in the argument and accepting the consequences of my mistakes, Karen and I can start moving towards reconciliation and a renewed relationship.
So the next time you find yoursel in the middle of a battle with your spouse, remember these eight magic words… “I’m sorry, You were right. I was wrong.” And give them a try. Let me know how they work for you.
