Episode Summary:
What do you do when your friend walks away from your relationship without explanation or chance for reconciliation? Guilt and shame keep Christian women from talking about it. It’s embarrassing, confusing, and often heartbreaking. It’s a common event that few in Christian circles discuss openly.
Misunderstandings happen and disagreements occur even in the healthiest of relationships. In a world that seems to thrive on discord, it can be tempting to run from conflict in a friendship. But conflict can bring about growth if we don’t fear or avoid it. Lack of communication, pride, fear, misunderstanding, careless words, being quick to pick up an offense lead to cracks in a friendship. These cracks can potentially lead to broken friendships. Join me with Jessica Van Roekel for how to repair a friendshipwith grace to move from hurt to healing.
Watch on YouTube:
Quotables from the Episode:
- Lack of communication, pride, fear, misunderstanding, careless words, being quick to pick up an offense lead to cracks in a friendship.
- Sometimes pursuing “why?” postpones our healing, because for some things we will never receive an answer; but “what?” can be a more productive question. What does God want to reveal about himself? What does God want to reveal within me? What does God want me to learn? What does God want me to change?
- Repairing a friendship begins with a posture of humility and self-reflection; aiming to understand rather than being right.
- Practical ways to offer grace include expressing interest in another, declaring gratitude for the positive traits and contributions of another, speaking a kind word in response to receiving a critical word, seeking to live unoffended, and assuming the best while forgiving the rest.
- We understand the pain of a broken relationship and we know the power of the healing work God does in our hearts even if a relationship can’t be healed.
Scripture References:
- Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Hebrews 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
- Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel
- Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms
- Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
- Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference
- Revive & Thrive Summit 2
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
- Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Join me with Jessica Van Roekel for a deep dive into the complexities of fractured friendships within Christian circles, offering insights and strategies for restoration. Don't miss out! #HealingJourney #Friendship Share on X Discover the power of #grace + understanding in repairing broken bonds. Jessica Van Roekel and I explore the path from hurt to healing, offering practical advice for navigating conflicts + rebuilding #friendships with humility + love. Share on X
Social Media Links for Guest and Host:
Connect with Jessica Van Roekel:
Website / Instagram / Facebook
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order book The Hem of His Garment / Order book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Order Book Hope Prevails Bible Study / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others.
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
