TAKING CARE AS WE MAKE AMENDS

When we come to the point of making amends, fear can overwhelm us as we remember those we have harmed.  We were enemies of God and serving a different master when we hurt others.  Now we have been reconciled to God and are willing to admit the error of our former ways. God has forgiven us for the wrongs we have done and now we need to make amends and, if possible, reconcile with others.

At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, because the evil you did was against him.  But now he has made you his friends again. He did this by the death Christ suffered while he was in his body. He did it so that he could present you to himself as people who are holy, blameless, and without anything that would make you guilty before him.  (Colossians 1:21-22 ERV)

When we are reconciled to God we have the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us to do what we need to do. God cares for the people we have harmed. Some of our former relationships may no longer exist however, we still need to make amends to those we have harmed, except when to do so would further injure them or others.  We need to pray and seek advice from God, our sponsor, or another trusted friend, as to when and how we can appropriately make our amends.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.  (Romans 13:8 NIV)

Though we may dread doing the work of reconciliation, in the end it will give us peace in our hearts.  Hopefully the people we have harmed will offer us forgiveness, but if they choose not to, that choice remains with them.  We have chosen to make amends and when we have done what God requires of us, we can leave the outcome of our obedience with Him. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, As I do the work of making amends with those I have injured, I ask for the courage to do whatever needs to be done.  Together with my amends, please help me to demonstrate love and care for those I have harmed and truly desire what is best for them.  Amen