Life is full of ups and downs. Some experiences teach us valuable lessons, while others leave us wishing we could forget them. Certain moments help us grow, while others push us in directions we can’t always control. I’ve met many people who have had issues with their family members—sometimes to the point where they feel like cutting ties completely. Then there are those who manage to work things out and never look back.
When it comes to fixing these kinds of problems, there are a few approaches you can try, though they don’t always work.
Talk one-on-one – The best option is to speak directly with the person you’re having trouble with. If you share a faith, having that conversation from a religious perspective can be powerful, because it allows you to focus on the bigger picture—how your actions will be judged in the afterlife and how you’ll be held accountable by God.
Involve trusted family and friends – If you’re lucky enough to have parents who can help resolve the issue, that’s great. If not, turn to friends or family members you both trust and respect. But be careful not to involve toxic people—those who, instead of giving good advice, will stir up more drama and make things worse. Few things are as damaging as involving someone who feeds off conflict.
Aside from these two approaches, time can also play a big role. Time has a way of healing even the most damaged relationships, though unfortunately, some wounds never get the chance to heal before one or both people pass away.
So, what if none of these things work? At that point, the best thing you can do is let go and focus on your own mental and emotional health. If you’re worried about what God will ask of you, remember that He knows you tried. In the end, we’re all responsible for our actions and the effect they have on the generations that come after us.