Day 48: Prosper in Friendships

By t.pep.me | February 17, 2014 |

Proverbs 17:9

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Principle

Don’t be a fault finder.

I saw a family member take offense. You could see the physical change in his face – bitterness became a heavy burden to bear. It was a moment that changed his life and devastated relationships that he once held dear. He has since lived his life distancing himself from anyone and everyone. Now, he is a lonely and sad person with a hardened heart and a frowned countenance.

I witnessed a daughter take offense when her father restricted her from eating a second helping of birthday cake. I’m sure that he didn’t mean to cause such an emotional wound, but she took one that wreaked havoc upon her life – plunging her into a life cycle of addiction and eating disorders.

Our Advisor warns us not to dwell on others’ faults – don’t allow them to occupy our minds. When we do, our thoughts become delusional – crafting all kinds of false scenarios. It causes us to forfeit friends and lose dear relationships.

However, if we forgive faults, we actually prosper in relationships. Our friendships can become stronger and even better when we overlook offense.