The 12 step program emphasizes making amends in step number nine: “Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” This means that we take responsibility for our actions and the hurt and harm that they have caused others. The evangelical tradition has wrongly confused restitution with so called “works righteousness”. Making amends is an integral part of repentance. Confessing your sins to those you have harmed goes a long way toward reconciliation and healing; it goes a long way in making your testimony believable.
“Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:8-10 (NLT)
