How does Leviticus 6:5 emphasize the importance of restitution in Christian life? Leviticus 6:5 in context “ ‘He must make full restitution for it, add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to its owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.’ ” Restitution: what God required • Full return of what was taken, damaged, or falsely sworn about • An additional 20 % added—tangible proof of repentance • Same day as the guilt offering—restoration with people inseparable from restoration with God Why restitution still matters for believers • Justice reflects God’s character (Deuteronomy 32:4; Micah 6:8) • True repentance bears fruit—action, not words alone (Matthew 3:8) • Broken trust needs repairing; restitution rebuilds fellowship within Christ’s body (Matthew 5:23-24) New-Testament echoes • Zacchaeus: “If I have extorted anything from anyone, I will repay four times the amount.” Jesus replied, “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:8-9) • Paul’s counsel: “Let the thief steal no longer, but rather labor… so that he may have something to share.” (Ephesians 4:28) • Confession plus restitution commanded: “When a man or woman commits any sin… they must confess the sin and make full restitution, adding a fifth.” (Numbers 5:6-7, recalling Leviticus 6) Practical steps toward restitution today 1. Examine relationships—ask the Spirit to reveal unpaid debts, broken promises, or harmed reputations. 2. Initiate contact promptly; don’t wait for the other person (Romans 12:18). 3. Repay in full; add extra if possible, imitating the one-fifth principle to demonstrate sincerity. 4. Accompany deeds with humble confession—own the wrong without excuses (James 5:16). 5. Where monetary repayment is impossible, seek creative ways to restore—service, public correction of slander, or generous giving. Key takeaways • Leviticus 6:5 ties worship and ethics together; God accepts no offering divorced from justice. • Restitution guards the witness of believers, displaying God’s fairness and mercy. • Ongoing obedience in this area keeps consciences clear and relationships healthy, pointing others to the reconciler, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). |
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