Atone or Redeem?

Recently, we watched Fiddler on the Roof, and I heard the words “atone and redeem.” I’ve been reading definitions from several different places. Most relate to spiritual definitions, and those are great to read.

However, I was interested in how those words relate to human relationships. As I continued to dig for more understanding, I realized that the spiritual meaning does indeed apply to human relationships.

Atone relates to the person in the wrong attempting to make things right. This person tries to reconcile (another great word) by apologizing, doing good deeds, and making amends somehow.

Redemption relates to a debt being paid. This can mean that the wronged forgive the debt either because it was paid or they simply forgave.

In either case, the wrongdoer must do something. But the word redeem is beautiful because the debt can be forgiven. Spiritually speaking, that is a beautiful thought. I love the thought that someone paid my debts so that I can be redeemed.

I’ve been the wrongdoer and the one wronged. One must let go of pride to atone for a wrong. One must also let go of pride in order to release the debt. Either way, it isn't easy. And the hardest thing is that there is no perfect human. We must all be forgiven and forgive, which requires releasing pride. No wonder so many people don’t forgive or ask to be forgiven. No wonder so few see the need for a redeemer.

One of my favorite songs ever is by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, “The Song of the Redeemed.” If you’ve not heard it, here is a link to the YouTube video of it. Once one has been redeemed, one should be grateful indeed! I know I am.