12 Principles * Principle 8  
 Principle 8   

I MAKE A LIST OF ALL PERSONS I HAVE HARMED AND BECOME WILLING AND READY TO MAKE AMENDS WITH THEM WHEN GOD GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.

First, I make a list of people that God has revealed to me by doing the previous principles. Then I "become willing and ready" to make amends. This is an example of my faith at work by its manifestation in my will to make amends despite my fears of the unknown. This is a work of love for God in my heart and will that is manifest through my obedience to Him rather than a feeling or desire to do so.

While compiling my list, I should keep in mind those I have harmed by "word and deed" and by "sins of omission." I need to ask God to help me to recognize my unforgiveness and bitterness since these are sins, and these have been the cause of lots of trouble and tribulation in my life. I need to list those who have hurt and harmed me also, as they need forgiveness from my heart. I understand that in some of these areas there may still be a great deal of pain, but God desires for me to trust Him so that He can heal me and bring resolution and reconciliation to all areas in my life.

Proverbs 14:9—
  1. What is the difference between "mocking" and "good will"? 
  2. What connection is there between "good will" and "making amends"?
John 13:34-35—
  1. Does this mean that I am to love people "right where they are at"? 
  2. Where did Jesus get His ability to love? Does this mean He has empowered me to love this way? 
  3. How do the commandments Jesus mentions in Matthew 22:37-40 differ from this one?
Matthew 5:21-22—
  1. How does anger prevent me from "becoming willing to make amends"? 
  2. How has holding anger and unforgiveness against someone led to greater sin in my life? 
  3. What do these scriptures say I will receive when I regard someone else with contempt?
1 John 2:9-11—
  1. What does making amends have to do with "living in the light"? 
  2. Can I as a Christian still live in darkness? (compare with (cf) 4:20-21) What is the meaning of darkness here? 
  3. How can I be blinded by darkness? (cf 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, 4:4) How do I come into the light?
Matthew 5:23-24—
  1. What does it mean to "offer your gift at the altar"? 
  2. What does it mean to "leave your gift there in front of the altar"? 
  3. Does this include "anyone" in my past?
Matthew 7:12—
  1. What were the "Law and the Prophets" pointing me towards? 
  2. When the scripture says "others," does this include my enemies? Define enemy. 
  3. Am I willing to treat others with the same kindness and respect that I desire?
Mark 11:25-26 (cf Matthew 6:14-15)—
  1. Does this scripture mean that if I don’t forgive, I won’t be forgiven? 
  2. Am I holding anything against anyone? Am I willing to forgive? 
  3. Does lack of forgiveness on my part have any effect on the way my prayers are answered? 
  4. If I make others pay for their sins, how will the Father treat me? 
  5. Does this leave me any other choice but to forgive? 
  6. What is the similarity between this scripture and the one in the LORD’s Prayer (vs. Matthew 6:12)?
Proverbs 20:22—
  1. What does it mean, "wait for the LORD and He will save you"? 
  2. What if we were to be "paid back" for everything? 
  3. What should I do when someone wrongs me?
Proverbs 24:29—
  1. Why shouldn’t I "pay that man back"? 
  2. Is it ever up to me to punish or judge others? 
  3. Does the desire to seek revenge ever come back in my heart even though I have decided to forgive? What should I do if this should occur and how do I respond?
Luke 6:27-28—
  1. If I hate my brother, is my life controlled by that hatred? 
  2. Am I able to do these things in my own strength? (cf 2 Corinthians 3:5) Have I ever been able to change my heart on my own? 
  3. Can I truly bless those who curse me in my own strength? How do I do this? What's holding me back?
1 Peter 4:7-8—
  1. Must I first be willing to forgive others before I can walk in love and self-control? 
  2. What does the application of this principle have to do with being clear-minded or serious and self-controlled or watchful? 
  3. Am I really trying to love others, even the ones that I think are unlovable or that I have a personality conflict with? 
  4. What are the conditions for "effective" prayer? (cf James 5:16b

Copyright © 2004, 2008 Randall Nurmi 
All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the author. Printing this material for personal use only is allowed. For permission, please contact Chris Johnson at Pure Word Ministries.

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