When you write a very angry letter to a friend who has hurt you deeply, don’t send it! Let the letter sit on your table for a few days and read it over a number of times. Then ask yourself: “Will this letter bring life to me and my friend? Will it bring healing, will it bring a blessing?” You don’t have to ignore the fact that you are deeply hurt. You don’t have to hide from your friend that you feel offended. But you can respond in a way that makes healing and forgiveness possible and opens the door for new life. Rewrite the letter if you think it does not bring life, and send it with a prayer for your friend.
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5 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 5, 2007 at 9:32 am
Poet With a Day Job
I agree 1,000%!!!!!! Don’t do the first thing! Always wait for a few days and see if that first idea still sounds good…It is usually our hurt, impulsive, protective selves trying to lash out…
September 5, 2007 at 2:59 pm
bereans
I do this regularly, Helen. The only one I have ever sent was about 10 year ago, and it damaged a good relationship. Now I do exactly as Henri suggests and it works!
Paul
September 5, 2007 at 7:55 pm
helenl
Hi Poet With A Day Job and Paul, I think every letter like this has come back to hurt its author.
September 6, 2007 at 1:32 am
Jana Allard
Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing.
September 6, 2007 at 9:48 am
helenl
Hi Jana, I’ve been quite busy the past fews days. Hope to comment on your blog today.