Clean Up Your Side of the Street

James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Step 8: Making a List & Becoming Willing. The chapter says this process is about cleaning up "my side of the street." What does that phrase mean to you? How does it free you from the responsibility of how the other person responds?

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Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Why is the phrase "as far as it depends on you" so important? When might it not be possible to live at peace?

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Step 9: Making Amends. The author notes that "saying I am sorry is not all that is required." What is the difference between an apology and making an amend?

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Matthew 5:23-24 instructs us to leave our gift at the altar and first be reconciled to our brother. What does this passage say about the priority God places on healthy relationships?

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Making amends requires wisdom and counsel, especially in cases where it could cause more harm. The book gives the tragic example of a young man making amends to a drug dealer. When is a "non-direct" amend, like donating to charity or service, the wiser path?

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The author shares that in making amends, he had a variety of responses, from acceptance to doors slammed in his face. He says, "It is our responsibility to attempt. God is ultimately in charge of the results." How does this truth give you the courage to take this step?

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Reflection: Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind one relationship that needs mending. You don't need to make a full list right now, just focus on one. What was your part in the harm caused?

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Action Step: Your action this week is to become willing. Pray specifically about the relationship from your reflection. Pray, "God, make me willing to clean up my side of the street with [person's name]. Show me what that looks like and give me the courage to obey when the time is right."

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Pray for the courage and humility to see where you have caused harm. Ask God for wisdom and discernment for each group member as they consider these steps. Pray for hearts to become willing to make things right, trusting God with the outcomes. Pray for healing and reconciliation in broken relationships.