April 30, 2026
What To Do With a Fractured Friendship
KAREN WINGATE
Lee en español
“… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV)
One morning, my written prayer list misplaced, I blurted, Lord, who do You want me to pray for today?
I balked at the name that entered my head. My friendship with that person had faded, and I couldn’t pinpoint why.
I asked the Lord, Should I do something to mend that friendship? But the Holy Spirit simply reinforced His prompting for me to pray for her. No matter the status of my friendship with this person, the Lord showed me the best thing I could do was pray. In fact, I would be showing my love and regard for her by asking God to bless her.
As Jesus said to His disciples, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28). If Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies, surely I could pray for a friend I wasn’t close to anymore.
Even when our friendships are marked by dry seasons, tense interactions, or hurtful fractures, God calls us to prayer as a starting point to restoration. Our prayers for a friend may not heal an existing rift, but it shows we value the other person when we bring them before the Father’s throne.
Why is prayer so important?
- Prayer is a step of faith. It requires admitting I can’t fix the brokenness, but God can. I trust Him enough to surrender my friend’s life into His capable hands. If I’ve lost contact with the person, I can still show trust by continuing to pray even if I don’t get to witness God’s answers.
- Prayer is an extension of grace. God’s grace is a gift we don’t deserve. If we have suffered from someone’s sinful choices, our human nature wishes they’d get payback for what they did. But when we pray that God bless them, we are asking God to spread His grace over them and us.
- Prayer is an act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a series of actions. The very act of praying for someone shows we care about their relationship with God and we agree with God that they are worthy of His grace. Our hurt may never fully go away, but it can soften as our prayers produce compassion.
- Prayer is the best kind of love. God’s brand of love always wants the best for another person. It’s willing to keep on loving even if someone has failed to love us. Asking God to be with our friend shows that kind of unconditional dedication.
Prayer has taught me that while God cares deeply about my relationships with others, He cares even more deeply about each of us having a relationship with Him. As I seek to be like Christ, my prayers will show I’m putting my friends’ friendship with Jesus first.
Lord, thank You for the process of prayer that lets me continue to love those with whom I have cracked relationships. Draw them closer to Yourself. I trust You to deepen my relationship with You as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Sometimes the hardest part of faith isn’t believing in Jesus — it’s knowing how to trust Him when life feels uncertain. When the next step isn’t clear. When your courage feels thin. When you’re doing your best to hold everything together. That’s why the Gospel of Mark is such a powerful place to spend time in God’s Word. In our upcoming First 5 study, Mark: Trusting King Jesus as the One Who Sees You, Saves You, and Never Lets Go, we’ll encounter Jesus in real moments with real people — calming storms, restoring the broken, and meeting people whose faith felt fragile. And as you walk through these passages, you may discover something your heart needs to hear right now: You don’t have to hold everything together — because the King holds you. If you’d like to study alongside us and go deeper into the passages we’ll explore together, you can get the Mark study guide now in the Proverbs 31 Bookstore, where expanded teaching, reflection questions, and guided prayer will help you experience the Gospel of Mark in a whole new way.
ENGAGE
Books, blogs, speaking topics, a sign-up for Karen’s weekly newsletter, and a few recipes meant for sharing with those in need — you’ll find all this and more on Karen’s website. You can also find Karen on Facebook and Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (NIV).
Whose name is on your heart today — whether friend or enemy, national leader, ministry worker, or beloved family member? Pause right now, and ask God to bless and encourage that person today. We’d also love to pray with you in the comments!
© 2026 by Karen Wingate. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
