JESUS SPEAKING
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Human beings exist within complex social structures comprised of family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even complete strangers. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God. When we sin against our neighbor, we also sin against the Lord. If we desire God’s forgiveness, we must seek the forgiveness of our fellows. Jesus has taught us that we are to approach those we have harmed and ask for forgiveness; making restitution whenever possible. In so doing we will draw closer to the Lord. This commandment, known as ‘making amends,’ remains an essential Christian doctrine.
Many years ago, before becoming a Christian, I began working a 12-step program; a system designed to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve sobriety. The creators of the first six steps were Christians; a gathering of believers known as the Oxford Group. As a result, the steps were inspired by the teachings found in the book of James, the Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians, verse 13. After becoming a Christian, I discovered that Christ’s command concerning amends likely inspired the founders to create the 8th and 9th steps (a broadening of the restitution step created by the oxford group.) The eighth step reads, “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” The ninth step reads, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” From 2005 until now, I’ve continued making amends to those I’ve harmed; making restitution and asking for forgiveness.
Today, in order to move forward with God, we might consider delving into our past; making a thorough examination of our previous mistakes. If we’ve stolen from anyone, we must pay them back; if we’ve lied, and those lies have caused hardship, we can return to them and speak the truth. If we’ve mistreated others and created resentments, we must humble ourselves and request forgiveness. Making amends is an essential Christian practice.
“Lord Heavenly Father, bring to our remembrance the names of those we have harmed; may we approach them and make restitution. Give us the courage, the strength, and the humility to ask for forgiveness; that we might be reconciled to those who resent us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 