Spiritual Growth – Page 33 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will ultimately fill our lives with love, gratitude and the serenity we desire.

THE LAW OF RESTITUTION

REQUIREMENT: RESTITUTION

RESULT: CLOSURE

They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. ~ Numbers 5:7

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

As recovering addicts working the 12 Steps, we all at one time will need to make our amends. The law of restitution is similar to making amends but it takes it a little bit further. Rather than trying to amend a broken relationship when we make restitution we are working to resolve what may have been lost or destroyed by our behavior: financial mistakes, physical injuries, sexual sins, etc.

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.~ Matthew 5:23-24

“We cannot sincerely worship God with our words and sacrifices until we have made things right with other people.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

It’s important that we make every effort possible, if possible to restore healing to the relationships that we can. Prayerfully, go to God for direction on who He wants you to make restitution with. Take time to write a letter if necessary or even see them in person. Ask them what it would take from you for them to feel like you have really restored the relationship.

Remember, we are not called to be in relationship with everyone we have hurt in the past. Some people we must make restitution through our Father from a distance.

Be blessed with this beautiful song by Casting Crowns.

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.

On the first Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the Ten Commandments; why we need to know, memorize and obey them.

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. ~ Exodus 20:16

Besides the obvious telling of straight lies, dishonesty comes in many forms from gossip, rumors, flattery, exaggeration, and of course slander.

As Jesus taught us, honesty is at its root an issue of the heart. And whatever we have in our heart is going to come out eventually.

Deceit is rampant in our modern culture today. Whether it is in academia, personal relationships, political leaders or the public media dishonesty is a huge problem in our world. And not just among unbelievers. Sadly, you will even find dishonesty in the Christian community.

As a reformed and healed liar, this commandment is close to my heart. I lived most of my life as a liar which ended up nearly destroying my life, marriage and family.

We will never be at peace with ourselves, God or others unless and until we are fully an unequivocally committed to God’s Word and we must keep it as a mirror before our hearts in examination each day. Only then can we have the power to be a truly honest person. By the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. ~ Proverbs 12:22

Our memory aid for the Ninth Commandment shows us the image of a number 9 lying on its side, reminding us not to not lie about anything!