Sometimes friendships get tested and no one knows how to save the friendship. Whether it's a fight or the silent treatment, either way, something wrong has been done from one person to the other. In my Bible, there is a page called "How to Restore Relationships." I recently needed advice on what to do so I turned to my Bible and read this:
"When God gave Moses the Law, he instituted a system of restitution: Anyone who injured another paid the price for what was stolen or destroyed and added 20 percent to the value. We may think of restitution as justice for the wronged party and punishment for the offender. But restitution offers more: It builds a bridge between the two parties, paving the way for relationships to be restored." This paragraph stood out to me because for the past few days, I have been contemplating over and over how to fix one of my friendships. Another point that stood out to me said:
"Forgiveness from God coupled with responsibility toward the other person are key to restoring relationships." It then goes on to say:
"If someone has something against us, he calls us to go and make it right (see Matthew 5:23-24). If we have something against another, we're responsible to take the initiative to settle our differences with them (see Matthew 18:15). It's not always comfortable. But it's always the right thing to do." This was just the thing I needed to hear and knowing it came from God, made me feel much more willing to do the 'uncomfortable thing' to fix a friendship. I'll leave it at this, the last thing it said to restoring relationships:
"Consider what needs to be done and take action: Repay the debt, replace the item and apologize for a wrong. Do whatever it takes to restore the relationship. Do it because it pleases God and because your relationships will be richer for it."
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