Restitution and Forgiveness
Keith Drury is a writer from the Wesleyan Church and in one of his books he touches on this whole subject of restoring relationships when talking about restitution. This is what he says.
"Restitution deals with more than property. It is also going back and making things right for hurtful things I've said or done. It's far easier for me to tell you some story than to tell you of the difficult and painful times I've had to ask my wife, my boys, my boss, friends and secretary to forgive me. Restitution is asking forgiveness for harsh words, quick tongue, or cutting remarks. It is asking forgiveness from a brother you hurt, a mother you caused heartache to or a former spouse which you maligned. Restitution is confessing and seeking forgiveness from an old business partner, neighbor or roommate. It is admitting my past errors in relationships and humbly seeking forgiveness from the one I've hurt. And it's harder to make personal restitution than property restitution."
One of the most significant things that you can do to mark the New Year is to admit your past errors in relationships and humbly seek forgiveness from those you have hurt.
(From a sermon by Matthew Sutman, Fixing the New Year, 1/23/2010)