Make Amends

Fools mock at making amends for sin,but goodwill is found among the upright.

Proverbs 14:9 (NIV)

I once read a sharp remark by an atheist stating, “If a Christian is forgiven for stealing a cow, his neighbor is still left without his cow.”

Wrong! I hope we as Christians don’t really live like this atheist thinks we live. That would be wrong.

I am so thankful that the Lord has forgiven us, paying the penalty for the guilt, presence, and power of sin. But of all people, we are to live above reproach. Whenever and however possible, we are to pay our debts, and we are to make amends.

If you borrow our neighbor’s lawn mower and it breaks, fix it. If you borrow somebody’s car, fill it up with gas when you give it back. If you borrow an egg, pay it back with two. If you hurt someone’s feelings and you know it, don’t just ask God to forgive you, tell them you’re sorry. Ask them to forgive you too. Really, it’s good for you and good for them.

In Texas they call this “mending fences.” In Missouri they call this “making it right.”

In the Bible, Jesus called it, “Whatever you want others to do to you, do also to them” (see Matthew 7:12). And it’s also called “loving your neighbor as yourself.” Because “goodwill is found among the upright.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

All right, let’s really bring this home to roost. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time made religious excuses for not helping their parents. Jesus told them that was wrong. We also can get so caught up in our activities at church or with our kids that we neglect important things like “honor your father and mother.” That’s a command. If your parents are getting older, it is your God-given assignment to help them. I know it’s not easy, but God didn’t say it would be easy; he just taught us that it is right.

One Year Bible Reading

Judges 8:18–9:21; Luke 23:44–24:12; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 14:9-10