The more intimate the relationship against which a man sins, the more difficult it is for that relationship to be restored. The more personally vulnerable a person is in a relationship, the more hurt and defensive they are when this intimacy is betrayed, as they try to prevent similar injury in future. This is not only due to psychological factors, but also due to the fact that man is made in God’s image. Sins against the ones we love dearest are the most wicked, for they are sins against love and trust. Such sins were committed by Lucifer and by Judas. Let us be extremely careful, therefore, not to betray close relationships, but rather to value and nurture them.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.