“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar an there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5: 23-24

A simple “I’m sorry,” is polite and thoughtful for the minor mishaps we encounter throughout the day. But what about the major relational problems we encounter – when is an apology not an apology? Saying you’re sorry is a good thing when it comes from the heart. Before Recovery, I said “Sorry” a million times to my wife, but I never changed a thing to make it right. One could imagine just how shallow and hollow those apologies were as the repeated destructive behavior continued. So how do we put some truth and conviction into our amends? In CR we start with God’s word and the verse from Matthew is a great one. Jesus tells us to make things right with our brothers and sisters. How can we say we love God, yet loathe others? Through inventory, confession, and surrendering our short comings to God, we enter into amends and forgiveness humbly and with a sincere desire to right the wrongs. “I’m sorry” takes on a whole new meaning; looking another in the eye and owning up to your faults, being willing to make things right as far as it depends on you, being kind and thoughtful in your actions, and knowing that God is with you every step of the way will move us forward into a new life. Love God. Love each other! Dana Cramer Celebrate Recovery // Crossroads Church