Abundant Family Living: Steps to Restore a Broken Relationship

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Steps to Restore a Broken Relationship

Have you ever experienced a broken relationship? Whether it's with a friend, family member, or romantic partner, broken relationships can bring feelings of pain, sadness, and even hopelessness. However, as faith followers, we can turn to scripture for guidance on restoring and mending these broken relationships. Here are some steps based on scripture to help in the process of restoration:

1. Humility and Forgiveness

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus imparts a profound lesson on forgiveness: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." This scripture is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of forgiveness in repairing a broken relationship. It's a call to let go of pride, acknowledge our own mistakes, and be ready to forgive the other person, thereby empowering us to take the first step toward restoration.

For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. Matthew 6:14-15

2. Open Communication

Open and honest communication is the key to rebuilding trust and understanding in a broken relationship. Proverbs 16:24 beautifully illustrates this, stating, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." When we communicate with the person we are seeking to reconcile with, choosing gracious words can bring about a healing and restoration that is both encouraging and motivating.

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3. Patience and Love

Restoring a broken relationship is a journey that requires time, patience, and love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reassures us, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This scripture serves as a reminder that with patience and love, we can overcome challenges and work toward reconciliation with determination and reassurance.

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4. Seek Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-24 instructs us, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." This verse emphasizes the need to actively seek reconciliation and make amends with the person with whom we have a broken relationship.

Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Matthew 5:23-24

5. Prayer

Finally, turning to prayer can bring comfort, guidance, and strength as we seek to restore a broken relationship. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

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Restoring a broken relationship is not easy, and it's important to acknowledge the challenges that may arise. It may take time for wounds to heal, and there may be moments of frustration or doubt. But with faith, patience, and love, it is possible. By following these steps based on scripture, we can work towards reconciliation and healing in our relationships. Remember, it's a journey, and every step forward is one step closer to restoration.

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