Sermon Summary:
In our "Unstuck" series, we explored Steps 8 and 9 of the Twelve Steps: making a list of those we've harmed and making amends. We began with Jesus' radical teaching from the Sermon on the Mount that challenges our priorities. While religious leaders of His day would never interrupt worship, Jesus said, "If you remember someone you've wronged while worshiping, leave your gift at the altar and go make it right." For Jesus, reconciled relationships matter more than religious rituals.
We then examined the story of Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus. Instead of condemning him, Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house, taking on the crowd's contempt by associating with this "sinner." This act of radical acceptance transformed Zacchaeus, who immediately declared, "I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I've cheated anybody, I'll pay back four times the amount."
This transformation illustrates the power of making amends. We can't simply say "sorry" while continuing to benefit from harm we've caused others. That's what AA calls being a "dry drunk" – physically sober but spiritually sick. True transformation means acknowledging specific harms, understanding their ripple effects, and taking concrete action to make things right.
The process isn't easy. It requires making a list, recognizing the harm we've caused, approaching those we've hurt with humility, and offering to make things right. While some situations make direct amends impossible, we can still practice "living amends" – consistently changing our behavior to demonstrate genuine transformation.
When we take these courageous steps of obedience, we experience freedom from regret, fear, and isolation – just as Zacchaeus did when salvation came to his house.