Wednesday, June 12, 2013 -- Making Amends In Relationship (3)

It would be impossible for us to risk taking the first step in making amends with others had God not demonstrated the way for us. Mankind failed to keep God’s commandments and yet He was willing to sacrifice His Son in payment for our sin.  Through Jesus we have the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance if we will simply confess our sins and believe on Him.  God didn’t wait for us to come to Him.  He prepared in advance. He reached out to us with this wonderful gift when we didn't dare approach Him. We can reflect on God’s way of reconciliation as we begin our work of restoring our troubled relationships. 

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT)

You and I can never begin to make up for all the wrongs we've done. God forgives us in Jesus and no longer counts our sins against us. Operating out of this secure foundation of forgiveness, we are given grace and strength to support our efforts of making amends and seeking reconciliation with others. Yes, making amends is a responsibility we must take very seriously if we want to protect our sobriety.  However, making those amends within this "God has forgiven me first" focus brings new power and deeper satisfaction, because we act based on gratitude. 

How do we welcome God’s blessing on this amends-making process so no one is injured?  To make amends, focused on God’s plan and purpose for the good of all parties in the relationship, opens the door to blessing.  We are acting in humble service of God rather than in self-centered service of our own needs. We are acting based in humility, remembering from where we've come. We are acting in faith, because we know that unless God covers our amends with His grace and healing, we will be ineffective. 

©2013 Partners in Hope