Good friends are good for the soul, providing positive experiences, motivation and inspiration for life (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
On the other hand, friendships turned sour can poison your soul. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (ESV). That’s why it’s so important to forgive those who have hurt you.
The Power of forgiveness:
- Eliminates the negative effect on your physical and emotional well-being.
- Washes away grudges and resentments.
- Becomes ointment for your unhealed wounds.
- Keeps you from being swallowed by your own sense of bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (Hebrews 12:15 NLT).
So, how can you commit to change and forgiveness?
- Reflect on what happened and how it’s affected your physical and spiritual health.
- Think about the value of intentional forgiveness and how it can change your life.
- Intentionally forgive the person who hurt you or your family.
- Move forward with healthy friendships.
Remember, healthy friends:
- Love and influence each other – without controlling each other.
- Are honest with each other – without fear of rejection.
- Respect each other enough to speak the truth – and hold each other accountable.
- Don’t manipulate or play mind games to get their own way.
- Gain joy from their relationship.
- Have shared values.
