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

• Making some amends could have life-altering results (confessing crime, adultery, etc.).
• Goals for the Week:
• Work on amends plans daily.
• Make two simple amends this week (this can be one of the amends highlighted last week or two new ones).
• Study and outline a plan for your most challenging amends and discuss it with your mentor when you meet.
• Continue to gain understanding into how to make difficult amends, noting that “Daily Amends Tips” are included each day.

Key Questions

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

• Day 5 question: What encouragements, struggles, and questions do you have from this week?
• Day 6, Q1: Did you make amends this week with someone? If so, describe the result of your meeting.

Encouragement for Participants

• Don’t let fear of possible outcomes keep you from embracing all that God has for you.
  
• When in doubt pray for wisdom and seek godly counsel.
• Share any stories of amends that have already happened this week.
• Remind them that their job is to be faithful, not achieve a specific result.
• Offer encouragement to continue to work on making amends until they have done as much as depends upon them to initiate peace.

Encouragement for the Leaders

• This is the hardest step, but could also be the most life changing and freeing. Celebrate progress made with participants.
• Knowing and living Steps 1-9 will guard people from sin, heal people from sin, and restore relationships damaged by sin.
  
• Steps 10-12 will focus on how to maintain spiritual health, walk in a freedom in an intimate relationship with God, and fulfill our purpose.
• You are ¾ of the way through! Celebrate! Encourage your group.
• Thank God for the changes he is making in the lives of those in your group. Pray that your group would finish strong through the next three steps.
• Email mentors that you are finishing step 9 and getting ready for steps 10-12.
• Ask participants to fill out the Participant Growth Survey accessed by the QR code on Week 3, Day 6 if they haven’t done so already.