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Let's face it, sometimes friendships can be hard. People say things they don't mean or do things they shouldn't. Our friends are human, which means that sometimes they will mess up. On the other hand, sometimes we're going to mess up!

So what do we do when one of our friends oversteps and hurts us? Well, the Bible says we should respond with mercy. Mercy means giving someone something even though they've done wrong — like forgiveness. Mercy is different from grace because grace is giving something even if they don't deserve it. Saying someone "doesn't deserve" forgiveness sounds more like holding a grudge or keeping score of someone's mistakes. Being a friend who shows mercy means you're ready to listen when a friend opens up and apologizes.

Has a friend hurt you recently? Reflect on this scripture and ask Jesus to help you with forgiveness towards this person.