Tuesday: When we’re hurt by a friend or just plain disagree with a bad choice they’ve made, the first – and easiest – solution that comes to mind may be to break off the relationship. But God isn’t in the business of giving up on people, and He doesn’t want us to either. Jesus tells us the first step in handling a disagreement is talking – not yelling, just speaking the truth, honestly, in love. Read Eph. 4:15-16.
Wednesday: Think about it. Is there someone in your life you need to talk to? This week’s verse tells us it’s okay to point out a fault. But it has to be done the right way, in the right time and place. In Matt. 18:15 Jesus says to talk about it one on one, not among friends at lunch or through a text sent by your best friend. Read Matt. 5:9 and ask God to show you how to be a peacemaker today.
Thursday: There will be times when, after talking, a friend still refuses to change or even listen. What then? Jesus says in Matt. 18: 16 that the next step is to take along a friend who understands the situation. It’s not about beating the person down in a battle of two against one. It’s about bringing someone with a fresh perspective and getting the facts straight. Choose a person who truly cares about you both and wants to help make things right. Read Colossians 3:13 for some great advice.
Friday: With some help from God (and you) your friend may decide to change his or her ways. But if they don’t and the problem is serious enough (destructive behavior that hurts them or someone else), you may need to move to step 3: bring a person in authority – a parent, teacher, pastor, youth leader, or other adult you trust – to talk about what’s going on. At this point, the most important thing you can do is pray. Pray that God would work in the person’s heart and be ready and willing to help (if they ask). Read Eph. 4:31-32.
Saturday: The goal is always to help your friend turn from sin and grow in Christ. But if a friend continues to be unwilling to change, you may need to step away from the relationship, at least for a little while. Remember though…always seek God’s guidance before you act (pray!). And be patient, willing to forgive, ready to do all you can do help your friend make the right choice. See Leviticus 19:17-18.