Manuel and Nelly We Learned to Love Each Other Better: A Story of Forgiveness, Service, and Restoration

When Pride Gives Way and Love Grows

This note was written by Manuel Monroy, husband of Nelly María Duarte, as a testimony of what he learned, how he grew, and the impact of the Re-Engage (Renewal) course he recently completed at Covenant Church in The Woodlands.

The course allowed us to gain and apply various tools and resources that have strengthened our marriage. Today, I would like to share some specific experiences that reflect that impact.

The first has to do with the act of asking for forgiveness. In the past, when I had disagreements with my wife, we often ended up in heated conversations, many of them caused by mistakes on my part—such as responding poorly, raising my voice, or simply failing to acknowledge my faults. Instead of taking responsibility, I chose to remain silent, hoping that time would make her forget what had happened.

However, when I thought the issue had passed and approached her again with affection, my wife would not only bring up the most recent mistake but also a list of past situations—even ones from years ago. For some reason, wives seem to have prodigious memories (laughter).

Through the teachings of the course, I came to understand that achieving true peace requires more than simply saying “I’m sorry.” It also requires actively working toward restoration and reconciliation. Since learning this, I have begun to apologize immediately when I make a mistake. I also started applying another key principle of the course: treating my wife as more important than myself.

From that point on, I have focused on putting my wife’s needs first, recognizing her as my priority. I have learned to listen to her, understand her needs, serve her, and help lighten her burdens. I have even sought to once again become her counselor, her best friend, and her confidence.

These gestures, though simple, have been strengthened through the teachings of the course and have produced visible fruit.

As a result, each day we have been able to maintain greater harmony in our relationship, reflecting in a much clearer and deeper way the love that unites us.