Sometimes relationships feel like riding a bike. One minute we’re coasting along, hair waving in the breeze, legs pedaling free. The next we’re on the side of the road trying to fix a disconnected chain or replace a punctured tube. Without proper maintenance, we spend more time making repairs and less time riding free.

Damaged relationships often feel this way, don’t they? Maybe a sibling recently went behind your back and shared a hurtful story. In response, you said a bunch of things you wish you never said. You know proper maintenance—a phone call, an email, a text, any kind of communication—would help repair your broken relationship. But you just can’t get over the situation. I just don’t feel like it’s my job to initiate, you think to yourself.

Or maybe a close friend just moved across the country. You planned to stay in touch, but she has yet to respond to one of your many texts. What’s with the silence? Did I do something? Is it possible that my messages never went through? You’ve thought about giving her a phone call, but your pride has gotten the best of you. I’ve already put effort into this. It’s her turn now.

In moments like these, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever “ride free” with your friend or family member again. And it’s easy to ignore the issue at hand and bury your hurt. But in Scripture, we learn the importance of forgiving others, even when forgiveness doesn’t feel natural.

If you’re holding on to a broken relationship today, you can turn to God’s Word for wisdom. These four Bible verses will get you started:

Ephesians 4:32 (GNTD)

Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNTD)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Ephesians 4:2 (GNTD)

Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

Colossians 3:12 (GNTD)

You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.