The Bible illustrates the importance of repairing the wrong done, in addition to apologizing, in the following verse:
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8)
This verse shows that Zacchaeus, after meeting Jesus, decides not only to apologize for his past actions but also to actively repair the wrong he has done by restoring four times as much to those he has wronged. This underscores the importance of concrete action to repair injustices committed.
Here are some examples of situations where apologizing is not enough, but making amends is important:
1. At work:
If you missed an important deadline, in addition to apologizing, come up with a plan to complete the project quickly and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
2. In friends:
If you said something hurtful, apologize and make an effort to rebuild trust by showing through your actions that you value your friendship.
3. In family:
If you forgot an important family event, apologize and plan a special activity to make up for the shortcoming.
4. In a relationship:
If you neglected your partner’s needs, apologize and take concrete steps to show that you care and are willing to change.
5. In customer service:
If a company has provided poor service or product, in addition to apologizing, they should offer a refund, replacement, or other form of compensation.
These actions show a genuine commitment to repairing and improving the relationships or situations that have been affected.
6. In cases of assault and battery:
It is crucial to take steps to repair the damage done, beyond simply apologizing. Here are some examples of what can be done:
a. First aid and medical assistance:
Make sure the injured person receives the necessary medical attention immediately. Accompany them to the hospital or call an ambulance if necessary.
b. Medical coverage:
Offer to cover the medical and rehabilitation costs related to the injury.
c. Recovery assistance:
Help the injured person recover by offering to help with daily tasks that they cannot do while they are healing.
d. Financial compensation:
Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be appropriate to provide financial compensation for the pain and loss suffered, especially if it affects the person’s ability to work.
e. Commitment to change:
Show through your actions that you are taking steps to prevent this from happening again, whether by taking anger management classes, improving your safety skills, or taking other preventative measures.
f. Mediation or restorative justice:
Consider participating in mediation or restorative justice sessions where you can discuss the incident, understand the impact of your actions, and work together to find a fair solution.
These actions show that you take responsibility for your actions and are sincerely committed to repairing the harm caused.
7. In the event of a fatality:
The consequences are extremely serious and the actions needed to repair, as much as possible, go far beyond apologies and financial reparations. Here are some steps that can be taken:
a. Cooperation with authorities:
It is crucial to turn yourself in to authorities and cooperate fully with the investigation. Taking legal responsibility for your actions is an essential first step.
b. Legal justice:
Accepting and complying with legal processes. This may include jail time, community service, or other sanctions imposed by the court system.
c. Support for the victim’s loved ones:
Providing emotional and, if possible, financial support to the victim’s loved ones. This could include helping to cover funeral expenses or contributing to a fund to support the victim’s dependents.
d. Participating in rehabilitation programs:
Involving in rehabilitation, anger management, or violence awareness programs to understand and change the behaviors that led to the act.
e. Restorative justice:
Participating in restorative justice programs, if the victim’s family is willing. This involves supervised meetings where the perpetrator can express remorse, listen to the victim’s loved ones, and work together on some form of reparation.
f. Commitment to a Better Life:
Demonstrating a genuine commitment to living a life that honors the victim’s memory, avoiding any form of violence in the future, and contributing positively to society.
g. Personal Therapy:
Seeking psychological counseling or therapy to address the underlying emotions and motivations that led to the act, and to work through guilt and remorse.
These actions can never bring the victim back, but they show a sincere effort to take responsibility for one’s actions, to repair as much of the harm done as possible, and to ensure that such acts never happen again.
PRAYER:
Lord our God, give us the courage to always repair what we have damaged.
In the precious name of your Son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Apostle Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA