21 Days to Sweeter Friendships预览

Don’t Owe Anyone Anything

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8, ESV

Years ago, we were invited to water ski, innertube, and swim at the lake with our friends Mike and Shan. They had a beautiful lake house and boat, and they would often invite us to come and hang out. In addition to the boat, they also had a Jet Ski I loved to drive.

Unfortunately, on one of these lake trips, as I was trying to park the Jet Ski, I bumped against the dock and broke off one of the side mirrors. Then, as I turned to park the machine, I broke off the other side mirror—two mirrors broken on one trip. (Incidentally, the mirrors were recovered but had to be reattached by a mechanic).

Mike and Shan, gracious as always, told me not to worry about it. I felt awful, but I let it ride. However, a few months ago, the whole incident came back to mind as I read a book on making amends. Although not requested by them, I looked up the cost of these mirrors and wrote my friends a check. I sent a letter with my apologies, letting them know I wanted to make things right again. Even though I knew they didn’t need or expect the money, it made me feel better to pay back my friends.

Could I invite you to take an inventory today?

• Do you owe anyone money? Could you begin to pay them back today?
• Do you still have someone’s tools, chairs, dishes, or other items? Can you return them?
• Do you have some other debt you could repay? A service? A kindness?

Why not pray over these things? Then, make amends. It feels so good to get things right!

Prayer– Father, reveal to me anything I need to make right today. Show me if I owe anyone anything at all. I only want to owe love and honor, nothing else.

Reflect– Look back over the inventory questions today. Write out your answers in the space below. Then, pray about each situation. If possible, begin to repay and make all of your restorations today. You will experience so much freedom as you do this!