An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. [Proverbs 18:19 (NLT)]

Father, help us tear down the obstacles in our strained relationships. Show us how to remedy the tension between us and those who have hurt us or those we have hurt. Help us to forgive and to be willing to ask for forgiveness from others. Fill our hearts with love for all people, even those who have caused us pain.

In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry. [Margaret Laurence]