Prov: Making Amends for Sin

[bcbsr]

MAKING AMENDS FOR SIN

Pr 14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

For example Zacchaeus made amends for sin saying, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." And Jesus commended him saying, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham."Luke 19:8,9

So if you're repenting from sin, be encouraged to make amends for sin. (And don't let fellow "Christians" discourage you with the false claim that making amends for sin is a salvation by works idea. For fools mock at making amends for sin.)
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

 

[Josheb]

There are to important concerns relevant to this, though. The first is that this is a works-based forgiveness in any circumstance that ignores the place of grace and mercy. The second, and more important, is that it speaks predominantly to material matters and not the more important and transcendent aspects of life and relationship. For example, I someone has committed adultery then the offended spouse has a broken heart and it is impossible to for the offender to give that person a new heart. Zacchaeus' behavior was noble but the fact remains he cannot make amends to God for God's loss. Zacchaeus is still in need of Christ crucified and resurrected.

The old adage "Sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me," is a gross falsehood. The words we speak and deeds we do often cause great damage, great beyond our ability to repay. Those of you who are married might ask your spouse, "What is the worst thing I have ever said to you?" and then watch, don't just listen, because any shift in the spouse's countenance indicating their hurt is an indication those words have bothered them for a long time. You can get mad at your spouse for not saying something earlier but that's the wrong response.

"I deeply regret having ever said those words. I understand the were wrong and hurtful and I deeply regret saying them. It brings me sorrow to know I cause you pain and I will endeavor not to repeat such things and express to you what a blessing you are in my life more often. Please forgive me. Is there anything I can do to make amends?"​

Did you know there is no "I'm sorry," in the NT among the body of Christ? The NT standard is...

Acknowledgement/Confession
Change/Repentance
Amends/Restitution
Suffering/Penalty
Forgiving (gifting and receiving)
Reconciliation

Forgiveness is not the end point; reconciliation is.

 

[bcbsr]

There are to important concerns relevant to this, though. The first is that this is a works-based forgiveness in any circumstance that ignores the place of grace and mercy. .

So if you rob somebody you merely have to apologize, but not give back what you robbed?