Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. Happy are the merciful. Matthew 5:7Happy are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9
Step 8: We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
Making amends is the beginning of the end of isolation. Your secrets can no longer hold you hostage once their power is destroyed.
Lesson 16 – Highlights:
Admit The Hurt & The Harm: Releasing resentment to allow for healing and happiness
Make A List: Check your list for those you have hurt and those who have hurt you, have you made all your amends?
Encourage One Another: Check with sponsor/accountability partner to make sure your amend motives stay on track
Not For Them: Amends should be humble, sincere, unconditional and expecting nothing in return, focusing only on your part
Do It At The Right Time: Pray and ask for guidance and direction, timing is key
Start Living The Promises of Recovery: Accept freedom from your past, it is one of God’s promises
This lesson offers so much freedom. I found freedom from guilt, shame, and resentment I had a death grip on. The fact is my guilt, shame, and resentment was killing me and stealing any chance of me experiencing joy. Have you made all your amends? Click on my podcast below and let’s cover the questions together and tap into some freedom.
Lesson 16 – Questions:
Once again you need to admit the past hurts – what others did to you and the harm that you caused to others. Explain how holding on to your past resentments and guilt has blocked your recovery. Be specific.
Once again you need to admit the past hurts – what others did to you and the harm that you caused to others. Explain how holding on to your past resentments and guilt has blocked your recovery. Be specific.
Next, you are ready to make your list. Be continuously prayerful about your amends!
Who do you have on your recovery support team to encourage you as you make your amends and offer your forgiveness?
What does the phrase “not for them” mean to you?
What does the phrase “don’t expect anything back” mean to you?
Timing is so important in this step. List the individuals who could be possibly injured from your making an amends to them and why.
Go back to the “start living the promises” section of amends. List some of the promises of recovery that are coming true in your life.
How is the amends process working for you? Are you experiencing healing from letting go of any guilt, anger, resentment? Share or comment below about the freedom you are beginning to feel.
Recovery is not meant to be a solo journey. There is power in numbers so I strongly recommend that you find a Celebrate Recovery group in your area. To find one near you click here. Remember… JOY is a choice, so choose well!
Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. Happy are the merciful. Matthew 5:7 Happy are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9