Sometimes taking responsibility for our lives means completing unfinished business. Some of us may have left a trail of broken laws and relationships – things that need addressing before moving on. Others may be burdened by debts that inhibit spiritual pursuits. Part of moving forward spiritually is to take full responsibility for wrongs done in the past.
New life in Christ doesn’t excuse past obligations or erase ongoing consequences of past sins. When the apostle Paul was in prison, he led a runaway slave to Christ. But then Paul sent him back to his master – even though the slave faced a possible death penalty for his offense! Paul sent a letter back with the fugitive saying that if he had caused any harm or stolen anything that Paul would pay for it. Paul recognized that even though the slave was now a Christian and was forgiven of his sins, he needed to address the wrongs he’d committed in the past.