How can we apply the principle of restitution in our daily lives today? Leviticus 5:15 in Context “ If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally regarding any of the LORD’s holy things, he is to bring to the LORD an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation in silver shekels, using the standard of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering.” What Restitution Meant in Moses’ Day • Sin against “the LORD’s holy things” required concrete repayment, not mere words • The offender supplied an unblemished ram (sacrifice) plus monetary value, restoring what was lost and adding compensation • Restitution flowed from ownership: everything dedicated to God belonged to Him, so loss to His sanctuary demanded restoration • The process safeguarded worship, upheld justice, and taught Israel God’s holiness Timeless Principle • Sin damages relationships and property • Genuine repentance includes making wrongs right in tangible ways • Restitution demonstrates love of neighbor and fear of God • It protects the integrity of worship and witness Supporting Passages • Exodus 22:1-14—laws that require paying back what was stolen or damaged, often with added penalty • Numbers 5:5-7—confession plus “full restitution of the wrong, adding a fifth” • Luke 19:8—Zacchaeus restores fourfold after meeting Jesus • Matthew 5:23-24—seek reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar • Ephesians 4:28—former thief must “labor, doing what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one in need” Practical Steps for Today 1. Acknowledge harm plainly, without excuses 2. Calculate the loss as accurately as possible—money, property, reputation, time 3. Repay in full, adding extra when feasible, reflecting biblical examples of “plus one-fifth” or “fourfold” 4. Seek forgiveness from the offended party after restitution is arranged 5. When material repayment is impossible, offer equivalent value through service, advocacy, or charitable giving 6. Keep the commitment private whenever public notice would appear self-serving, yet be open when public harm was done 7. Maintain ongoing integrity so further restitution becomes unnecessary Everyday Situations • Workplace—return equipment, correct time records, repay accidental overpayments • Commerce—refund improper charges, replace damaged goods, honor warranties promptly • Personal relationships—repair or replace borrowed items, restore reputation if gossip harmed someone • Digital life—remove pirated content, compensate creators, correct misinformation spread online • Church ministry—reconcile financial errors, restore borrowed resources, mend relational breaches among believers Spiritual Benefits • Clear conscience before God and people • Restored trust in relationships • Protection from future compromise, as restitution cultivates vigilance • Powerful testimony to unbelievers, displaying the transforming power of Christ • Joy of obedience, experiencing the blessing promised in passages like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 32:1-2 Living It Out Walk in daily sensitivity to the Spirit, eager to identify any loss you have caused. Prompt, generous restitution reflects the gospel you have received, honors God’s holiness, and blesses those around you. |
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