As followers of Christ, we are called to live in peace with others and to seek reconciliation when relationships are broken. The Bible teaches the importance of making amends, seeking forgiveness, and restoring what has been lost. When we humble ourselves before God and others, we reflect His love and grace. Below are key Bible verses on making amends. Do read on!
Also Read: Bible Verses About Regret After the Damage Was Done
Repenting and Seeking Forgiveness
Repentance is the first step in making amends. It requires acknowledging our wrongs and seeking forgiveness from God and those we have hurt. True repentance is not just about words but about a changed heart and actions that reflect a desire to make things right.
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks for forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Proverbs 28:13
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Restoring What Was Lost
Making amends often involves restoring what has been taken or damaged. This can be material restitution or a commitment to rebuilding trust. God values justice and calls us to take responsibility for our actions.
Exodus 22:3
“But if it happens in daylight, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murder. The thief who is caught must pay in full for everything he stole. If he cannot pay, he must be sold as a slave to pay for his theft.”
Luke 19:8
“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!’”
Leviticus 6:4-5
“If you have sinned in any of these ways, you are guilty. You must give back whatever you stole, or the money you took by extortion, or the security deposit, or the lost property you found, or anything obtained by swearing falsely. You must make restitution by paying the full price plus an additional 20 percent to the person you have harmed.”
Numbers 5:6-7
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged.”
Proverbs 6:31
“But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.”
Forgiving Others
Just as we seek forgiveness, we are also called to forgive others. Holding onto resentment hinders our own healing, but offering forgiveness reflects God’s mercy and love.
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Reconciling Broken Relationships
God desires unity among His people. When relationships are broken, He calls us to take steps toward reconciliation. This requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to restore peace.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
2 Corinthians 5:18
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
Proverbs 16:7
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Doing Wrong When You Know Right
Walking in Humility
Making amends requires humility. It is not about defending ourselves but acknowledging our mistakes and seeking to grow in Christlikeness.
Philippians 2:3
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Micah 6:8
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 22:4
“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”
Seeking God’s Guidance
When making amends, we need God’s wisdom and strength. He guides us in restoring relationships and helps us walk in His ways.
Psalm 32:8
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
James 1:5
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Isaiah 30:21
“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.”
Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.”
Living a Life of Love and Kindness
At the heart of making amends is love. When we walk in love and kindness, we reflect God’s character and bring healing to relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
Ephesians 4:2
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”