God can heal and restore broken relationships in miraculous ways. Even when a relationship seems damaged beyond repair, God’s love and grace provide hope for reconciliation and renewal. With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Here are some of the key things God does when it comes to mending broken relationships:
He gives wisdom and guidance
Asking God for wisdom is a vital first step in healing a broken relationship. We often don’t know how to make things right or how to approach the other person. God promises to give wisdom generously when we ask for it (James 1:5). He can guide our steps and show us how to extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion.
He softens hard hearts
Years of hurt and bitterness can harden our hearts toward someone. But God is able to soften even the most stubborn, unrelenting hearts. The Bible says God will remove our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). As God works in our hearts, we become willing to listen, forgive, and reconcile.
He brings conviction and repentance
True healing requires confession, repentance, and changed behavior. God is able to produce genuine conviction and repentance in the hearts of those who have caused harm in a relationship. Second Corinthians 7:10 says “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” As God convicts both parties in a broken relationship, reconciliation becomes possible.
He offers forgiveness and restoration
Forgiveness is necessary to restore broken relationships. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, God offers forgiveness to all who have failed in relationships. As we choose to forgive others just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32), relationships can be redeemed. God also restores what has been lost or broken. Joel 2:25 says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” God delights to bring renewal.
He renews love and connection
Even if forgiveness occurs, relationships may continue to be hurtful or strained. God miraculously renews love and connection where there was once pain and separation. Philippians 2:2 says God can give us the mindset to love one another again. As we yield to God’s Spirit and draw close to Him, He fills our hearts with love for others.
He redeems pain into purpose
God never wastes our pain. He is able to use it for greater purposes, bringing redemption out of brokenness. Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. A restored relationship can ultimately be richer, more authentic, and more meaningful after working through difficulties with God’s help.
He facilitates necessary conversations
To reconcile relationships, difficult (but necessary) conversations often need to take place. God helps orchestrate these conversations, including giving us the courage to initiate them. He also provides the right words and gives clarity to both parties when they talk and listen to each other. With God’s help, tough conversations can lead to understanding and healing.
He rebuilds trust
Broken trust is one of the most challenging repairs in a damaged relationship. But God is able to rebuild trust through consistent changed behavior over time. As both people draw closer to God, follow His principles, and demonstrate genuine love, trust can be restored. While full restoration takes time, God facilitates the process.
He empowers us to keep no record of wrongs
Keeping a record of wrongs and holding grudges will prevent relationships from being restored. God empowers us to forgive and not keep record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). He gives us supernatural ability to release bitterness and desire good for the other person. This critical step allows healing to occur.
He equips us to love unconditionally
Human love is often conditional; we base it on what we get out of the relationship. But God-given love is unconditional; it persists no matter what the other person does. God teaches us what unconditional love looks like through Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8). As He pours His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5), we can selflessly love others and reflect God’s heart.
He makes reconciliation possible
There are certain relationships that seem beyond hope from a human perspective. But God specializes in the impossible. He can bring together those who have been deeply estranged, melting away years of hurt, offense, and hostility. With God, even relationships that seem irreconcilable can be restored through the power of His love and the work of His Spirit.
He sustains relationships long-term
Mended relationships sometimes revert to old hurts and patterns over time. But God provides supernatural ability for relationships to not just be restored initially but sustained for the long haul. As both people keep growing in Christ and living according to godly principles, intimacy can flourish and conflicts can be handled in a healthy manner.
He uses relationships to refine us
God is able to use both good and bad relational experiences to refine and strengthen our character. As we lean into Him for help and guidance, we become more loving, patient, kind, forgiving, and selfless. Broken relationships provide opportunities for growth that can ripple outward to benefit our other relationships and bring glory to God.
He draws us closer to Himself
Above all, God uses the pain of broken relationships to draw us closer to Himself. As we cast our cares on Him and receive His comfort, peace, and strength, our connection with God is deepened. Rather than letting circumstances make us bitter, God uses them to make us better by developing our Christlike character and dependence on Him.
Conclusion
God is able to take even the most painful broken relationships and use them for our growth and His glory. As we submit the situation to God in prayer, seek His wisdom, extend grace, work through issues, and depend on His supernatural help, reconciliation and restoration are possible. While it can be challenging, if we let Him work, God can heal and redeem relationships in ways only He can.