The Power of "Undo" in Marriage

I had spent two days crafting an article—every word carefully chosen, every sentence refined. It was shaping up beautifully. Then, an email notification popped up. I needed to respond quickly. A few CTRL + A, CTRL + X keystrokes later, I realized the horrifying truth: I had cut my entire article instead of my email text.

Gone. POOF! Just like that.

I would have screamed, but instead, I tried something: CTRL + Z. And with just a few strokes, my article reappeared...restored to its last known working state.

That moment made me think—what if there was no "Undo" option?

More importantly, what do I do in life and relationships when things seem irredeemable? How do I restore what feels lost—especially in marriage?

Marriage and the Last Known Working State

In marriage, there are words spoken in haste, actions taken in frustration, and moments where we wish we could press CTRL + Z and take it all back. Unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a keyboard shortcut. Once something is said or done, we can't simply "undo" it.

However, what if instead of focusing on the loss, we focused on restoration?

Scripture gives us a path to finding the "last known working state" in our marriages:

1. Repentance (CTRL + Z for the Soul)

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out." — Acts 3:19

A sincere "I'm sorry" isn't just about words—it’s about a heart posture that seeks to turn back and realign with love and commitment.

2. Grace (Reinstalling the Love Software)

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." — 1 Peter 4:8

Just as CTRL + Z doesn’t work if we don’t try it, grace isn’t effective unless we actively extend and receive it. Love doesn’t erase mistakes, but it covers them with a redemptive touch.

3. Communication (Restoring the System)

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." — Colossians 4:6

Instead of dwelling on what was lost, talk about what can be restored. Open, honest, and grace-filled conversations bring healing.

4. Commitment (Backups Prevent Future Losses)

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." — Ecclesiastes 4:12

A strong marriage isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about having safeguards in place: prayer, wise/godly counsel, and a commitment to always find a way back to each other.

What If There’s No Easy Undo?

Some things can’t be reversed with a simple keystroke. But just because something is broken doesn’t mean it can’t be redeemed.

God specializes in restoration. If CTRL + Z can bring back my lost words, how much more can God’s grace restore what seems irretrievable in our marriages?

“Behold, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5

Maybe today is the day to stop staring at what was lost and start pressing into what can be rebuilt.

Even when there’s no easy UNDO, there’s always RENEW.

#BeBetter #LoveBetter #DoBetter #MarriageWorks