Analysis of the Value of Forgiveness in Marriage: A Case of “African Bible on the Ground” in Laikipia County, Kenya
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Forgiveness is core value of humanity and enhances health relationships,
psychological and physical wellbeing of people. It reveals the meaning and purpose
of human existence. To the divine institution of marriage, forgiveness is a core value
of marital success. The Church across the globe and Kenya in particular has been
championing and fostering forgiveness in marriage, Despite of this, conflicts and lack
of forgiveness continue to escalate in most marriages. This is an indication that there
is a weakness in the methodologies employed in teaching forgiveness. This
necessitated the current study to investigate methodologies and approaches used at
the ABG and to establish the efficacy of these methods and approaches. Four
objectives guided the current research: firstly, to study the causes and consequences
of conflicts and lack of forgiveness experienced by couples who visit the ABG,
secondly, to investigate methodologies and approaches used in teaching the value of
forgiveness in marriage at the ABG, thirdly and to assess the significance of
forgiveness in marriage at the ABG. Fourthly, to recommend strategies that enhance
forgiveness in marriage at the ABG.The study the functionalist theory of human
values and linked it with the cognitive theory of forgiveness. The literature reviewed
unveld the gaps in knowledge which were filled with the current study. Study
inquiries besides premises aided this research preparation of instruments, which were
questionnaires, interviews and FGDs schedules. The study was justified for it was
timely when conflict in marriage is at an alarming rate globally and precisely in
Kenya. The research engaged an evocative survey strategy then data remained
analysed both quantitatively and in-depth qualitatively. The findings revealed that
there were different causes of marital conflicts: they included unmet expectations,
consumption of alcohol, interference with in-laws and friends, poor communication,
childlessness and lack of forgiveness. Further, the findings indicated that these
conflicts had negative consequences that included psychological traumatic
experiences, living marital single life, low self-esteem, termination of marital
relationships, separation, divorce and other health issues. Moreover, the results
indicated that there were many different coping styles but forgiveness is the essential
foundation of a happy marriage. Besides, the study established that there are different
methodologies and approaches of teaching forgiveness at the “African Bible on the
Ground”, they were Bible therapy model, lecture method, listening to the story and
pain of others, dialogue, empathy, remorse and repentance and reflection at the feet of
the cross of Jesus. Others were visual aids, rituals and a walk on the ABG. The
methods and approaches were found to be effective because the couples admitted
having experienced healing fashionable in their relationship and family life. The
study recommends that the causes of conflicts and identified and methods of teaching
forgiveness be applied to assist couples live peacefully in their marital life. There is
need for healing and peace
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University, November 2025
Supervisor:
1.Humphrey M. Waweru
2.Josephine Gitome