Broken relationships can be one of the toughest challenges to go through in life.
When the people we have come to love and trust hurt us, our world feels like it has crumbled around us.
And if it is with a family member or close friend, the pain can be deeper since we may have to face the person regularly, constantly reminded of that hurt.
It is no wonder that so many of us feel like we cannot repair a relationship, and sometimes we do not want to try.
But amidst this anguish, what if I told you that God could heal broken relationships?
Would you believe me? Let’s look at if, and more importantly, how God can restore even the most damaged of connections.
Broken relationships exist in the Bible
Let us start by acknowledging the fact that broken relationships are not foreign to the Bible.
From the rivalry between Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) to Samson and Delilah, the Bible shows us the pain of relationships that did not work.
But it also shows that God is not afraid to weave His healing miracle in people’s lives.
Just look at Jacob and Esau, who had a relationship so broken that Jacob had to flee for his life.
But after many years, they eventually reconcile, and brotherhood is restored (Genesis 33).
However, it is never that easy to reconcile with a person who has hurt us deeply. It is not easy to forget the past and the pain caused by the person.
But when Jesus calls us to forgive (Luke 6:27) and to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), He does it as someone who understands.
He went to the cross, forgiving those who put Him there.
So if Jesus can forgive those who put Him to death, can we not follow that same example?
Being forgiving in our relationships
Forgiveness may be hard, but it is the first step toward healing a broken relationship.
It means taking the step towards the person who hurt us, not expecting them to come to us first.
It means choosing to let go of anger and bitterness and instead releasing the pain that has held us captive for so long.
But forgiveness alone may not be enough.
Sometimes, a mediator or counselor may be necessary to bring understanding, peace, and reconciliation.
This is where inviting God into the process becomes crucial.
Praying and asking God for guidance and listening to His counsel through scripture can open the door to this possibility.
We can take comfort in the truth that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
It requires everyone in the relationship to heal
Of course, healing and restoration require effort from both parties. We can’t control the actions of others, but we can control our own.
This means taking responsibility for our own mistakes and asking for forgiveness when we’ve wronged someone else.
It also means extending grace and forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This is a difficult and humbling process, but it’s necessary if we want to move forward in a healthy way.
It’s worth noting that forgiveness doesn’t mean we condone or excuse the other person’s behaviour; rather, it means we choose to release our anger and bitterness and entrust the situation to God.
Talking to other trusted people
Another important aspect of healing broken relationships is seeking wise counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
This means we can benefit from seeking out mentors, pastors, or trusted friends to help us navigate our emotions and priorities.
They can offer us wise, unbiased advice and hold us accountable to living out our faith in difficult situations.
Being at peace with God’s plans
Lastly, it’s important to remember that even if a relationship can’t be fully restored in this life, we can anticipate ultimate restoration when we are united with God in eternity.
Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This should encourage us to continue praying for restoration in any strained relationships we currently have, but also to maintain a perspective that extends beyond this present moment.
Our hope of God fixing broken relationships
The hope of restoration in broken relationships lies in our faith that God is a God of healing and reconciliation.
We can trust that even when things seem impossible, God is at work behind the scenes.
We must be willing to humbly repent, grant forgiveness, and seek wise counsel in order to move towards healing.
However, ultimately, we can take comfort in the fact that the promise of eternal restoration awaits us.
May we always strive to be instruments of God’s peace, grace, and forgiveness in our relationships, trusting that he is with us every step of the way.
No matter how much time has passed, or how much hurt exists, know that God can restore even the most broken of relationships.
Remember, forgiveness is the starting point.
It is a choice to forgive the person and the hurt they have caused us, and instead, choose to love them genuinely.
We must understand that forgiveness does not mean the hurt disappears, but it means giving it to God and trusting Him to use it for our good and His glory.
Take heart, for God, is with you, and He will bring healing to your broken relationships if you trust His restorative power.