A Christian friend has terribly wronged me. What can I do about it?
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses…” (Matt. 18:15-19). This is the biblical approach to resolving conflicts.
You must, first, approach your friend confidentially to provide an opportunity for your friend to admit to wrongdoing and to offer an apology. If that happens, then the encounter was truly a success. If not, then it is time to get some spiritually mature partners to accompany you in approaching your friend for a second time. Be sure you take each step in order. It is unbiblical to recruit the help of outsiders before you have tried to reconcile on your own. Remember, as long as you do what is right in the sight of God—handle yourself appropriately and with honor—then you are blameless in the conflict. However, if you allow a root of bitterness to take hold, fault will be found in yourself as well as your friend. The goal of any confrontation should be restoration and healing. If that is not your desire, then pray that God would make it so, then wait until He works healing in your heart before you confront your friend.
