September 1: Leave Your Gift and Go

You have a list. You’re willing. Now comes the part you’ve been dreading. Actually going to people. Where do you even start?

Jesus describes a man on his way to worship. He’s at the altar with his offering. Then he remembers that his brother has something against him. Jesus says to leave the gift right there. Go. Make it right with your brother first. Then come back and offer your gift.

That’s a striking instruction. Jesus says reconciliation with people matters so much that it comes before worship. Not instead of it. Before it. God cares how you’ve treated the people around you.

Step Nine in the old wording reads, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” Direct means face to face where you can. Not hinting. Not hoping they’ll notice you’ve changed. Going to them.

This step is often called the step of discipline. It takes discipline to do what you said you’d do. To make the call you’ve been putting off. To show up at the door. To keep going after an amends goes badly. To be patient with the hard ones.

Some practical things to know at the start. Begin with the easier names. You’ll gain courage as you go. Talk over every amends that involves money, the law, an affair or a former partner with a human sponsor or pastor before you do anything. Some amends could hurt people if done carelessly, and Step Nine itself says not to do that.

September is also National Recovery Month in the United States. Across the country, people are telling the truth about recovery and celebrating the lives that have changed. Your amends are part of that story. Every one you make is a quiet sign that recovery is real.

One thing today

Pick the easiest name on your list. Pray about it today, talk it over with your sponsor, and set a date this week to make that amends.

A prayer

Lord, You care more about my relationships than my religious show. Give me the discipline to go and make things right. Start me with the right person, and give me courage. Amen.

Read how the step works, in plain words, on the Step Nine page.

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