Step 9
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
“You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it’s yours! But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too.”
Mark 11:24-25
Direct-Straightforward and candid; frank: Having no intervening persons, conditions, or agencies; immediate
Wherever-In or to whatever place
I have my list of names and what I am willing to do to repair the injuries I have caused by my old behavior. Just as I sought to share my 5th step with another human being, it is important that I review my intentions with someone else before proceeding. Is my motive for the benefit of the other party? I want to make amends, not to cause more harm. In some cases it may be that the best course of action is to not reopen “old wounds” by bringing back painful memories of the past. The insight provided by others that have worked this step themselves is invaluable. Restitution should be made for all debts, and any apology offered should be accompanied with positive action and sincere effort to “clean my side of the street”. I only present my own faults and make whatever reparation I can. I ask for the strength and the guidance I need to do the right thing regardless of the personal consequences I may face.
Response to my attempts may range from being held fully accountable to being excused, but I must be ready for the full consequences of my past acts and take responsibility for the well being of others at the same time. Forgiving others releases me from resentment toward them and making amends may release them from their resentment toward me.
My amends are to be direct. I may find it necessary to travel, but I trust God to put the individual before me when the time is right. I may write letters or make phone calls to initiate the process, but I try to be as direct as I can. The most important amends I can make is that I am no longer the person who would treat others so poorly.
"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil."
Proverbs 16:6
When I humble myself and ask God to rid me of my flaws of character, I begin to clear a channel for His love to flow through me. I seek to amend my wrongs toward others out of both love and justice. By loving our neighbors as we love ourselves we obey God’s command and come to know His love for us even more. Our relationships with others grow as well.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."
1 Corinthians 13:4-6
As I continue to make my amends I grow in my love both for God and for others and myself as His servants. I continue to release the shame and guilt of my past by offering to set past wrongs right. Even when my offers are refused, I have planted a seed of love and forgiveness which still may blossom and bring healing later. The result of my action is a new freedom from the past for me and I see how my experience can help others. I begin to know peace and happiness as never before. The realization comes that God is changing me, indeed He is doing for me what I could not do for myself.
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
Galatians 5:13
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A Prayer for Direction
The way to the Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent “to reconcile to himself all things”. We must turn from our “selves” and to Jesus – from this world to His Kingdom. That is the direction to follow, and scripture tells us that we will receive guidance- “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17) and “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, „This is the way; walk in it‟.”(Isaiah 30:21) But the Bible also warns “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) That “way” is through self fulfillment, pride, and spiritual arrogance – in other words, sin. As Overcomers, we learn to use the 12 Steps to come to the foot of the cross, and to lead others there as well. From there, our direction is clear, as we look to Jesus and walk with Him.
Father God, we pray for open eyes to see the need for our Salvation, open ears to hear the wisdom of Your Word, open hearts to receive Your guidance through the Holy Spirit, and open hands to share the love we have received in Christ with others. We ask, as we travel the Way, that our feet remain on the path of righteousness so that You will be glorified in all we do. All honor and glory is to you, Father God. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
If you would like to donate to Overcomers Outreach, Inc. to help defray the costs of this newsletter and other operating expenses, please visit our website overcomersoutreach.org or send to Overcomers Outreach, 6528 Greenleaf Ave., Suite 223, Whittier, CA 90601. All donations are tax deductible. To be added to our mailing list, or removed from it, please so indicate, along with your donation, or call us at (562)698-9000. You can also email us at info@overcomersoutreach.org and we will be happy to accommodate your request. We also welcome any news articles or testimonies you would care to submit for future newsletters. God Bless
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