In what ways can we apply the principle of restitution in our lives today? Setting the Scene in Leviticus 5:18 “He is to bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your valuation, for a guilt offering. Then the priest will make atonement for him regarding the error he has unintentionally committed, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 5:18) What Restitution Meant Then • A tangible sacrifice—something of real value. • Admission of wrong, even when the sin was unintentional. • Atonement arranged by the priest, showing that God Himself must declare the offender forgiven. • Restoration: in the wider passage (vv. 16‒17) the sinner also pays back what was lost, plus an additional amount. Restitution Woven Through Scripture • Numbers 5:6-7—full repayment plus an extra one-fifth to the injured party. • Exodus 22:1-14—detailed repayment schedules for theft and property damage. • 2 Samuel 12:6—David pronounces a fourfold restitution standard. • Proverbs 6:30-31—thieves repay sevenfold when caught. • Luke 19:8-9—Zacchaeus joyfully commits to fourfold repayment, and Jesus celebrates the evidence of salvation. • Philemon 18-19—Paul offers to absorb Onesimus’ debt, modeling substitutionary restitution. Why Restitution Still Matters • Upholds God’s justice: wrongs are not ignored; they are set right. • Demonstrates repentance: turning from sin includes repairing the damage (Acts 26:20). • Rebuilds trust with people we have hurt (Matthew 5:23-24). • Bears witness to Christ’s transforming power (Ephesians 4:28). Practical Ways to Live It Out Today 1. Identify the loss. • Money, property, reputation, time—name it specifically. 2. Confess to God and to the injured person. • Keep it clear: “I was wrong. I sinned against you.” 3. Calculate restitution. • Full replacement value+, mirroring the biblical “add a fifth” principle where feasible. 4. Deliver repayment promptly. • Cash, repair costs, public correction of slander, or donated time—whatever addresses the actual harm. 5. Add generosity. • Going beyond the bare minimum mirrors Zacchaeus and honors grace. 6. Seek reconciliation, not merely settlement. • Offer to listen, answer questions, and pursue ongoing peace (Romans 12:18). Going Beyond Material Losses • Broken trust: consistent honesty over time is part of restitution. • Damaged relationships: humble service and kindness help heal wounds. • Spiritual injuries: pointing the offended person to Christ’s love while modeling it yourself. Common Objections Answered • “It was long ago.” Time does not nullify God’s standards (Exodus 22:1). • “They’ll never forgive me.” Leave results to God; obedience is still required (Luke 17:3-4). • “I can’t afford it.” Begin repayment in installments; willingness often softens hearts (2 Corinthians 8:12). • “Christ paid it all—why should I?” Salvation is free, yet discipleship is costly. Restitution displays gratitude, not self-salvation (James 2:17). Encouraging Examples • Zacchaeus: joy, speed, and over-the-top generosity (Luke 19:8). • Paul for Onesimus: standing in the gap financially (Philemon 18-19). • Modern testimonies: employers reimbursing former theft, believers correcting false online posts, families returning inherited items discovered to be stolen. A Closing Thought Restitution is love in action—acknowledging sin’s real cost and reflecting the gospel of a Savior who paid in full what we never could. |
    |