TLIC FAMILY. PROVERBS. JULY 29: OFFENDED.

TLICfamily

Jul 29

THINK TOGETHER.

Have you ever had a fight with a close friend?

READ TOGETHER

Proverbs 18:19. A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

Good friends are a gift from God. They should never be taken for granted, but instead they should be treasured. That is why it is so important to not offend our friends (Note: the word brother in this proverb means friend, not a relative).

Solomon is reminding is children that once a person has been offended or had their feelings hurt by us, it is very difficult to fix the friendship. Sometimes, even after an apology, those feelings remain hurt don't they? Solomon says that fixing that friendship is like trying to conquer a walled city, which back then could take months or even years.

What's even worse is two friends who quarrel. They argue all the time. Eventually someone says something hurtful and mean. Solomon says that fixing this is the same as trying to break into a bolted gate at a fortress or castle.

So is there any hope for two friends who quarrel, argue and hurt each other's feelings? Yes, in Jesus there is always hope. When we remember how much we are loved by Jesus and how he has forgiven us, then we are able to forgive and restore our friendships.

And remember, sometimes we are too easily offended. Our feelings get hurt way too easily. But the Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. That means that when we love a friend we overlook some of the things they say and do and don't let them bother us. But if they really bother us we should go and tell them, and try to talk it out. And if that doesn't work, get help from a trusted adult who can help you and your friend to fix the problem with the help of Jesus' love.

Because of Jesus we have been forgiven for our offenses against God.

With Jesus we can overlook offenses and choose to forgive.

DO SOMETHING TOGETHER

Zootopia is a great movie to watch about a friendship that suffers but then is restored. Talk about how humility and forgiveness bring restoration.

PRAY TOGETHER

Jesus, you get sad when I offend you, but you always forgive and never lock me out of your love. Help me to do the same with my friends. Amen.