BIBLE READING: Luke 19:1-10
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
When we are feeding our addiction, it is easy to become consumed by our own needs. Nothing matters except getting what we crave so desperately. We may have to lie, cheat, kill, or steal; but that doesn’t stop us. Within our family and community we become known as “takers,” trampling over the feelings and needs of others.
Zacchaeus had the same problem. His hunger for riches drove him to betray his own people by collecting taxes for the oppressive Roman government. He was hated by his own people and considered a thief, an extortioner, and a traitor. But when Jesus reached out to him, he changed dramatically. “Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!’ Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today’” (Luke 19:8-9).
Zacchaeus went beyond just paying back what he had taken. For the first time in a long time, he saw the needs of others and wanted to be a “giver.” Making amends includes paying back what we have taken whenever possible. Some of us may even seize the opportunity to go further, giving more than we took. As we begin to see the needs of others and respond by choice, our self-esteem will rise. We will realize that we can give to others, instead of just being a burden.
Excerpt From: Tyndale House Publishers. “The Life Recovery Bible NLT.
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
When we are feeding our addiction, it is easy to become consumed by our own needs. Nothing matters except getting what we crave so desperately. We may have to lie, cheat, kill, or steal; but that doesn’t stop us. Within our family and community we become known as “takers,” trampling over the feelings and needs of others.
Zacchaeus had the same problem. His hunger for riches drove him to betray his own people by collecting taxes for the oppressive Roman government. He was hated by his own people and considered a thief, an extortioner, and a traitor. But when Jesus reached out to him, he changed dramatically. “Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!’ Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today’” (Luke 19:8-9).
Zacchaeus went beyond just paying back what he had taken. For the first time in a long time, he saw the needs of others and wanted to be a “giver.” Making amends includes paying back what we have taken whenever possible. Some of us may even seize the opportunity to go further, giving more than we took. As we begin to see the needs of others and respond by choice, our self-esteem will rise. We will realize that we can give to others, instead of just being a burden.
Excerpt From: Tyndale House Publishers. “The Life Recovery Bible NLT.
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