To Atone or Not to Atone

I do believe there is a way to atone for your sins. I don't, however, believe that kind of atonement comes from a higher being. A god-like figure that you can ask for forgiveness and everything is forgotten. Atonement to me is repaying those you affected. Not with money or bribes, it might not come in the form of an object at all. Forgiveness and atonement is something that you can get  by being there for someone, or comforting them in a time of need, not necessarily by buying them something in return.