Forgiveness And Making Amends
Monday February 29, 2016
How are forgiveness and making amends related? In the 12 Steps we are encouraged to make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all and to then directly make those amends, except when to do so would injure. What does it mean to make amends? To make amends for something you've done means you make up for, or compensate for, the injury, insult, infidelity, or aggression you have perpetrated. To make amends means that whatever we do, we must do it for the good of the harmed person, with the intention to lift them up and lighten their load.
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation (Proverbs 14:9 NLT)
Obviously we can never make up for how we’ve harmed others. Only God can heal, but directed by God and empowered by His love and kindness, we can make a difference for healing and restoration in relationships where we previously caused harm. Returning to someone we’ve hurt in order to make amends is a scary thing. The passing years, lack of communication, and memories of the anger and hateful emotional exchanges can all create tremendous anxiety. However, genuine repentance, a clear record of changed behavior, and a sincere desire for the good of the injured person can overcome past brokenness. This is God’s way of living and when we honour God, He honours us and pours blessing into all we do.
Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Philippians 2:2-4, Psalm 84:11 NLT)
Making amends, focused on God’s plan and purpose for the good of all parties in the relationship, opens the door to blessing. We approach the person with humility and a genuine desire to serve. We come in faith, because we know that unless God covers us and our amends with His grace and healing, we will be ineffective.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
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