| |
The Twelve Steps:
A Guide for Living Faithfully
This is the ninth in a series of short essays by members of the
Faith Partners ministry at House of Hope on the Twelve
Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, how they serve as the basis
for recovery from many addictions, and their application to
people of faith.
The ninth step is: “We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
Matthew 5:23-24 says “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
Making amends, correct, apologize, repent, penitent, atone are just some of the words we have to describe what needs to be done when we have wronged someone. Knowing how we don’t like being wronged, and feeling uncomfortable with the feelings of guilt and shame, those in recovery work toward breaking their addiction cycle by stepping out and making amends where doing so will not cause further damage or hurt. Our court system reinforces this notion by ordering defendants to pay restitution, do community service work and sometimes to apologize for their actions. One of the greatest joys working in corrections is watching offenders come to this part of their recovery development and reach out and make amends to those they hurt because they believe it’s the right thing to do and the wonderful growth and development of new and renewed relationships that come out of it is invaluable.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
—Mary Cardinal Peterson
House of Hope Faith Partners Team Ministry
|
