Family, relatives, friends… life is made of relationships that can sometimes be broken. 

You might have been hurt, or might have hurt someone. How to rebuild a relationship? How to go beyond bitterness, anger, or disappointment? How to keep on loving in spite of everything? Where to begin?

 The Lord urges us to work for peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. Avoiding problems, pretending there isn't any, or avoiding to speak about them... That's not exactly being a peacemaker – doesn't it sound more like running away from them, pure and simple?  In his book “The Purpose Driven Life”, Protestant pastor Rick Warren outlines the seven steps to restore a relationship with God's guidance:

1. Before speaking to the person you fell out with, talk to God about your troubles.
2. Take the initiative. The Lord wants you to make the first step, regardless of whether you are the offender or the offended one.
3. Be compassionate towards the other person. Listen to them. Try to understand them before trying to make yourself understood. Tell them “Your point of view matters to me, as much as our relationship. You matter a lot to me”.
4. Acknowledge your share of responsibility in the conflict.
5. Fight the root of the problem, not the person.  
6. Be as cooperative as possible. Peace is not free, it demands sacrifices, starting with your pride. But keep in mind: “Blessed are peacemakers”.
7. Focus on reconciliation more than on settling the score. We can all walk hand in hand without necessarily agreeing 100% on everything. God wants us united, and not uniform. 

A question to ask yourself

 With whom should you reconcile yourself? 

Do not procrastinate, pray to the Lord, and write to that person.