Restoration and Healing of a Broken Relationship Requires Both Parties

If a relationship is broken, one of the parties can honestly offer forgiveness from his/her heart even if the other party is unwilling to participate in the process. However, restoration of the relationship cannot occur if only one party is willing to participate in the process.

We can put it this way: It is possible for forgiveness to be offered with only one party participating, however, restoration and healing will require both parties to be involved.

Are You Willing To Mend Broken Relationships?

Recently, someone told me a story about putting hard feelings aside and making an effort to mend a long-time broken relationship with a family member. It was encouraging to hear. Fortunately, this effort at restoration was successful and a relationship that had been broken for many years was restored. In this particular story—although the person who initiated the restoration did not realize it when he reestablished contact—the timing was very good. Had he delayed the opportunity for this type of healing would have no longer been possible.

I realize we cannot reconcile with people if they are unwilling to reconcile. It requires a willingness on the part of all those involved to repair a damaged relationship. We cannot force people to enter into fellowship against their will. But hopefully, as far as it depends on us, we will be willing to offer the hand of peace, fellowship, grace and love.