Making Amends

"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright" (Proverbs 14:9).

You should seek to put things right with the person who has made you angry.

"Not because it's fair, not because you're hoping the other person is going to reciprocate, but you want to make amends simply for the fact that you know it's healthy for you," says Dr. Les Carter.

In any conflict, one person is not 100 percent at fault, so even if you feel your former spouse is always the one who starts the arguments or causes the problems, think about times when your reaction did not help the situation.

Whatever has been negative in your words, attitudes, and responses, make the sincere attempt to change your ways and amend the wrongness. Approach your former spouse with the willingness to be appropriate from now on and not hold grudges or be hurtful or speak angry words. Be sure that you are being respectful and keeping your focus on God when you do this.

Your former spouse might not believe you or might not be interested in making amends. If this happens, do not become frustrated; just tell your former spouse you are sorry he or she feels that way. Choose to move forward in healing regardless of what the other person does or says.

"Reject the wrong and choose the right" (Isaiah 7:15).