How might I mend a broken relationship with a friend?

Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Philemon 1:10-12I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

Healing a broken relationship with a friend requires the decision to forgive and show mercy.

Proverbs 18:19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

Luke 15:18“‘I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you.”’”

Healing a broken relationship with a friend can begin with a simple apology. “I’m sorry” are two very important words. Forgiveness is both a decision and a process. When we have hurt someone, we should apologize as quickly as possible and make any needed restitution. Forgiveness is powerful because it frees both parties from bitterness.