Troubled Friendships

[ImGodsChild]

Troubled Friendships

Read: Psalm 15:1-3


Second to God, friends are a believer's most valuable assests.
Companions provide a listening ear for our troubles, support for our
dreams, and a safety net when we fall. Our friends also give us love,
even when we are unloveable.

Inevitably, though, some of these important relationships will go
through troubled periods. If the friendship is worth preserving a
solution should be sought through the following steps:

Address the situation. Acknowledge to your friend that something is
amiss and needs to be fixed.

Determine the problem. Together, discuss where the relationship veered
off course and what wrongs may have been spoken or committed.

Apologize. As believers and friends, we accept responsibility for our
actions and seek forgiveness.

Refuse to blame. In addition we must avoid defending ourselves. There
could be a temptation to argue over who did what: however, the goal is
not proving who is right but saving the friendship.

Begin repairs. Ask, "What can I do to rebuild our closeness?" The key
here is to do willingly whatever is requested.

Commit to rebuilding. Immediately start investing your time energy,
and love in restoring the friendship.

In order to have the blessing of a good friend who loves us, we must
be willing to pay the high price of patching up a relationship.
Walking away might seem easier but in the long run,, we would lose a
valuable treasure.