Step 9 - Amends

We make direct amends whenever possible, submitting to God, his Word, and biblical counsel.

Foundation 9

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18)

Key Theme

Initiate peace with others out of love and obedience to God.

Remember

Making amends is a step of faith to honor God, live in his truth, repair the damages of sin, and share the love of Christ with others.

Things to Remember

• Goals for this week are:
• Identifying what to make amends for (see Amends Summary on p. 105-106).
• Understanding how to make amends (see Examples on Day 2).
• Planning for amends (see Amends Plan on p. 112).
• Blank Summaries and Plans are included in Appendix D and Appendix E.
• Through this step, we are teaching participants a process and tools for planning amends, rather than completing all amends, which will happen over time.
• During this week begin to plan 3 amends (2 easy, 1 difficult) using the Amends Summary and Amends Plan tools. Ask the participants to discuss these with their mentor next week.
• Seek godly counsel in the amends process: “For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” - Proverbs 24:6

Key Questions

The questions on the review day are great. Other key questions you may wish to address:

• Day 3, Amends Summaries: What questions do they have about what to make amends for?
• Day 5, Amends Plan: Did the participant make a plan for the 3 amends listed? Do they have a time set with their mentor next week?

Encouragement for Participants

• Encourage participants to pray for God to reveal their sin, to prepare hearts for amends, to sustain them through difficulty, to show his goodness in new ways.
• Encourage them to share their plans with recovery partners and mentors next week.
• If stuck, start with some easy amends.

Encouragement for the Leaders

• Remember, God’s power is best revealed when circumstances are greater than we can handle.
• Follow-up next week to see if amends plans are being shared with mentors.
• Pray. Pray. Pray. Ask God to glorify himself through this group. Pray his protection over all.
• Make amends for sin in your own life. Share an example of a recent amends.
• Thank God for the peace, healing, and freedom he has given you in your own life as you have faithfully followed his will to make amends!