Fractured Friendship
FRACTURED FRIENDSHIP
Read Proverbs 27:6-10.
“Mom,” called Caitlin as she returned from school one day, “can we go get my birthday party invitations?”
Mom shook her head. “I’m sorry, honey, but I promised Mrs. Kettering I’d drive her to the doctor’s office this afternoon. Ever since she broke her leg last year, she’s had a hard time getting around.”
“Well,” said Caitlin, “we’d better get the invitations soon. It’s only two weeks till my birthday.”
Mother smiled. “Have you decided who you’ll invite?” she asked. “Remember, five guests is the limit.”
Caitlin nodded. “I want to invite Amanda, Brianna, Ashley, Emily, and Marisol.”
Mother looked surprised. “What about Brooke from next door?” she asked. “I thought you two were best friends!”
“Oh, we are,” Caitlin said, “but I can see her anytime.”
Mother was quiet for a minute. “I’m thinking of Mrs. Kettering’s broken leg,” she said. “Even though the fracture did heal, her leg will never be quite the same. Sometimes it hurts, and she has to be careful not to put too much stress on it. She can’t trust it. It’s the same way with friendship.”
“Friendship?” asked Caitlin.
“If you hurt a friend, she may forgive you. But she may never be able to trust you again.” Mom sighed. “I learned that lesson the hard way—I once lost a good friend because of a cruel, thoughtless remark I made. Friends are a precious gift from God, Caitlin.”
Caitlin looked thoughtful. “I think I’d better go over my guest list again,” she said.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take your friends for granted? Do you assume that they’ll always be willing to forgive you? Even a strong friendship can be broken, and healing can be difficult. Treat your friends as you want them to treat you—with kindness and respect.
TO MEMORIZE:
Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s.
Proverbs 27:10
TREAT FRIENDS WITH CARE.
From the book
