With God’s power you can mend a broken friendship. Learn His two ways of restoration. He loves you. He loves your friend.

During high school my two best friends and I dubbed ourselves the three amigas. Together in school, at lunch, on the weekends, the number three might not work for many women friendships. But it worked for us.

Until senior year.

They met boys. College boys. College boys who roomed together on campus.

Three didn’t work anymore.

I felt forgotten. They didn’t mean to hurt me but I felt hurt. Should I still be their friend or kiss ’em goodbye? A tough question for a 17 year old. For any woman.

Have you been hurt by a friend and wondered how to mend a broken friendship? Yes and yes.

With God’s power you can mend a broken friendship by one of two ways. See which works for your situation or for someone you care about, like your daughters. (They learn how to mend friendships by watching us. Kinda scary but also an honor.)

1. If the wound is not horribly deep — or you feel compelled — cover an offense with love. 

I was able to do this with my two best high school friends. They didn’t mean to hurt me, and I had other friends to hang with. But I still missed them and the way it used to be.

1 Peter 4:8 reads, “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

So when you can and as the Holy Spirit empowers you, let the hurt go. Let love cover the offense. Letting go can lead to restoration. After high school graduation, we three went our separate ways, as we attended different universities but we kept in contact and had no ill will.

But what it you can’t just let it go. Then what?

2. Here is the other practical step the mending a friendship and it is tough: Confront with love.

Years ago when I was a women’s ministry director at a local church, my team and I made a decision to switch the day of our morning Bible study for several good reasons. At least we thought they were good. But not Ann (not her real name).

Angry about the decision (and behind my back), she phoned each women in the bible study and complained about the day change and complained about me. She even went to the pastors and complained.

I felt hurt and sad and angry.

Eventually, Ann and I confronted one another in love. I apologized that the change took her by surprise, that I should have communicated better with everyone. She apologized for gossiping.

Our friendship was never the same, however. We hadn’t been super close but now we were tentative around each other, fearing more hurt. It was as mended as could be.

Solomon said, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” and “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Proverbs 27:5,6.

I learned a lot from this mess. I continue to value Ann and see her from time to time. We say “hi” and make small talk. I confronted, forgave and moved on.

Do you have a broken friendship? Will you cover the offense with love? Or confront your friend in love? Please share and encourage others.

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You Are Blessed!