How can we apply the concept of restitution in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: Leviticus 5:19 “It is a guilt offering; he is certainly guilty before the LORD.” Why Restitution Matters • Scripture treats sin not just as private guilt but as damage that must be repaired. • Leviticus 5–6 ties confession to tangible repayment plus an added fifth (Leviticus 6:5). • The principle stands unchanged: real repentance restores what was harmed. Old-Testament Echoes • Exodus 22:1-15 — specific repayment schedules for theft, negligence, and loss. • Numbers 5:5-7 — confession, full restoration, plus 20 percent added. • Proverbs 6:30-31 — even a hungry thief “must repay sevenfold.” New-Testament Continuity • Luke 19:8-9 — Zacchaeus offers fourfold restitution; Jesus calls it evidence of salvation. • Matthew 5:23-24 — worship is paused until wrongs with a brother are made right. • Ephesians 4:28 — former thieves must now “work… so that he may have something to share.” • Romans 13:8 — “Owe no one anything, except to love each other,” implying debts paid in full. Practical Ways to Live It Out Today 1. Identify the loss • Money taken, property damaged, reputation harmed, time wasted, trust broken. 2. Confess without excuse • Name the wrong plainly (1 John 1:9), accepting full responsibility. 3. Repay—or repair—promptly • Return stolen funds plus extra. • Replace or fix damaged items at or above original value. • Publicly correct false statements. 4. Add a tangible token of sincerity • Gift cards, interest, or the “extra fifth” principle; shows the heart has changed. 5. Seek reconciliation, not merely reimbursement • Aim for restored relationship (2 Corinthians 5:18). 6. Keep records clean going forward • Budget honestly, log hours accurately, cite sources, honor copyrights. Restitution in Everyday Situations • Workplace: misused company resources? Replace them and inform supervisors. • Family: broke a sibling’s device? Purchase a new one, not a cheaper substitute. • Community: gossiped? Publicly retract, praise the person’s character, and serve where trust was eroded. • Digital life: pirated media? Delete files and purchase legally. • Time: habitual lateness? Apologize and give extra time or service to those affected. The Gospel Connection • Isaiah 53:5 — Jesus makes ultimate restitution for our sin-debt by His wounds. • Titus 2:14 — redeemed people become “zealous for good works,” including repayment. • Because Christ paid what we could not, we gladly repay what we can. Personal Application Checklist ☐ Have I wronged anyone materially, emotionally, or reputationally? ☐ Have I confessed to God and to the injured party? ☐ Have I calculated and delivered full restitution plus an appropriate extra? ☐ Have I sought restored relationship, not just settled accounts? ☐ Am I taking ongoing steps to prevent repeat offenses? Living in Freedom Restitution is not legalism; it is love expressed in justice and responsibility. When we mend what we broke, we mirror the righteousness of the One who “makes all things new” (Revelation 21:5). |
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