The word “injure” gives Step Nine a boundary. An amends is meant to address harm, not create a sequel.
Injury can take different forms. It may involve emotional damage, broken trust, physical danger, financial consequences, or the reopening of something another person has worked hard to close. The Step does not describe injury as merely making someone uncomfortable. Honest conversations are sometimes uncomfortable. Injury is a more serious concern.
The difference resembles cleaning a stain from a shirt. Scrubbing harder is not always better. At some point, the attempt to remove the stain can damage the fabric itself.
This word keeps the purpose of amends in view. Repair that causes new damage has missed something important.
What does the word “injure” add to your understanding of Step Nine?
