Imagine if your best friend decided to nag on you for being irresponsible with how you live your life. Would you get upset, start an argument, and never talk to them again? Or would you find common ground to seek peace and move on?
Getting upset, and not talking to that individual is pointlessly ending the friendship over something that could have been taken as great advice. Besides, then what is the point of having friends if all you do is disagree together?
According to The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." The scripture explains how friends should show love and compassion for one another no matter what drama that may come there way. But, in reality, that is not always the case. Friendships can have its rocky moments.
So how does learning to forgive help change friendship for the better? Here are a few tips on how you can evolve the maturity of you and your friends by starting off with forgiving one another through difficult times.
1. You must understand that you are not always right.
The adult thing to do when it comes to forgiving your friend is not to blame them for everything. Find common ground and explain where your weaknesses are by working together to voice concerns you may each have with the friendship.
By doing this first step you will become a responsible individual based upon your willingness to understand the different perspectives your friends may bring to the table.
2. Do not make a scene.
Drama may seem interesting on reality television, but when you create it by trying to get the attention of your friend to apologize or forcing public forgiveness, it quickly backfires.
Often times to settle the public drama quickly you and your friends may say things insincerely and not fully come to a point of true forgiveness. If you have grievances, don't air out your dirty laundry. Try to work it out together in private.
3. Take breaks away from each other.
Life is stressful, even without maintaining long-lasting, meaningful friendships. The worries of life, work, school, and our families can mentally drain us. We can try to juggle it all, but sometimes a break away from your friends is best. This is especially true if these stresses have manifested in the form of bickering and insincerity.
There is nothing wrong with hanging out by yourself for awhile when it comes to forgiving a friend. While you're taking this break, take some time to come to a place of peace so that you can move forward.
4. Last but not least, be honest.
No one wants a friend who's unforgiving the second time around over something petty or far in the past.
In Holy Bible, the New International Version states, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We must make that effort to forgive our friends if at all possible because they better us as people.
Now that you have received some tips on how to forgive your friends, take those steps and still work at getting to know them. Friendship is a life long effort and it's more than worthwhile to understand the people you surround with as much as you can.
