Repair the Damage Quickly!

To illustrate, a fractured bone must be treated so that it can eventually function well without pain. But the pain will continue if the fracture is not given prompt attention. Worse yet, the bone may become permanently misaligned and unable to function properly.

Like a fractured bone, a damaged relationship with a fellow Christian should be treated quickly. Otherwise, the pain of a broken friendship will continue. Resentment could grow, and you may lose your friend. Jesus said: “Be quick to settle matters.” (Matt. 5:25) So approach your friend and talk kindly but openly about the matter. Why might this be hard? Consider two reasons.

First, you may be tempted to ignore the situation without resolving it, perhaps because you are uncomfortable talking about problems.b Consider Euodia and Syntyche, Christian sisters who apparently could not resolve a disagreement. Their problem likely lingered, since even the apostle Paul, who was far away in Rome, heard about it. He urged them to do whatever was needed to restore their unity. (Phil. 4:2) With humility, good communication, and true forgiveness, their friendship could thrive again.

Second, you may expect the other person to acknowledge his fault. But you want to regain your friend, not establish blame. A doctor treating a broken bone will focus on healing it, not on investigating every detail of what caused the break. When you talk to your friend, do not focus on who is to blame for the damage. Instead, remember how much you value the friendship and concentrate on what you need to do to repair it.

Why not talk to your brother or sister today, aiming to repair the damage and restore your friendship? “Do not let the sun set while you are still angry.” (Eph. 4:26) By taking steps to repair the damage quickly, you will help to safeguard our “uniting bond of peace.”​—Eph. 4:1-3.