How can we apply the concept of restitution in modern Christian living? Setting the Scene: Exodus 22 :5 “If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and he lets his animal loose and it grazes in another man’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard.” Restitution Defined: Giving Back What Was Lost—Plus • Not merely apology; it is concrete repayment. • In Exodus 22:5 the offender returns the “best” of his own produce, underscoring: – Full value replaced, never discount. – Quality equal or superior to what was damaged. • Leviticus 6:1-5 and Numbers 5:6-7 add a 20 % surcharge—compensation plus interest. Why the Principle Still Applies • God’s character is just; His moral standards do not expire (Malachi 3:6). • Jesus affirms the ongoing relevance of the Law’s moral heart (Matthew 5:17-18). • Restitution protects relationships, mirrors divine justice, and preserves witness (Romans 13:8). Practical Steps for Modern Believers 1. Identify the Loss • Financial: unpaid debts, broken items, copyright violations, tax evasion. • Relational: gossip, reputation damage, breach of trust. 2. Calculate Fair Value • Replace or repay at current, not original, cost. • Add “the fifth part” (20 %) when possible—an Old-Testament-shaped gesture of sincerity. 3. Act Quickly • Delayed restitution feels hollow (Proverbs 3:27-28). 4. Use the “Best” • Offer quality gifts or services—don’t cut corners. 5. Go Beyond Money • Time, skills, labor can restore what cash cannot. 6. Keep Records • Integrity welcomes accountability (2 Corinthians 8:21). Restitution Illustrated in the New Testament • Zacchaeus: “If I have cheated anyone of anything, I will repay four times the amount” (Luke 19:8-9). Jesus calls this “salvation.” • Paul to Philemon: “If he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge that to me” (Philemon 18-19). • Ephesians 4:28: thieves must “labor, performing with their own hands what is good” so they can give. Guardrails: Preventing the Need for Restitution • Steward what belongs to others as though God were the owner (Psalm 24:1). • Practice the Golden Rule before a conflict arises (Matthew 7:12). • Maintain insurance, contracts, and clear communication—modern tools to avoid inadvertent loss. Blessings That Follow Restitution • Cleared conscience and restored fellowship (Matthew 5:23-24). • Tangible testimony of transformed life. • Unlocks opportunities for generosity; once debts are paid, resources can flow outward (Luke 6:38). • Positions believers to pray with confidence, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Restitution is love with boots on—walking back into another’s field, arms full of the very best, because God first gave His best to us. |
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