Has a death in your family, a divorce, or some other traumatic event utterly devastated a portion of your life? A young soldier, for example, was astonished when he glanced about at the debris that had once been his hometown. The streets were empty, and the buildings damaged. After years of fighting, he had returned home hoping for a nice reunion. Unfortunately, his hopes of a homecoming were dashed by an artillery round.

Like the soldier, we may be dealing with the fallout of ruined relationships. It is intimidating to rebuild from rubble. Walking away and proclaiming the relationship unsalvageable is the simpler route. However, God asks us to undertake the brave task of reconciliation.

A dove that Noah sent forth with an olive branch—a symbol of hope after devastation—returned when the deluge subsided (Genesis 8:11). Reconciliation, like the olive branch, gives brokenness new life.

Humility is necessary when pursuing reconciliation. Rather than assigning blame, we need to recognize our own roles in the issue (Matthew 7:3-5). We can show small gestures of grace, such as a kind word, an apology note, or an offer to mediate (Matthew 5:23–24).

Forgiveness is necessary for reconciliation, just as Christ has forgiven us. Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive a brother – as many as seven times? Seventy-seven times said Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22). Reconciliation is a process of repeatedly choosing mercy.

Friend, would you be willing to courageously take the first step and extend an olive branch? The rubble of brokenness can become a foundation for renewed relationships.