How can we apply the principle of restitution in our daily relationships? Where the Idea Begins “If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.” (Exodus 22:4) The LORD’s instruction is clear: when someone wrongs another by taking what is not theirs, they make it right, and then some. Restitution re-balances the scales of justice and restores fellowship between neighbors. Tracing the Thread through Scripture • Exodus 22:1–15 – Repeated commands to repay two-fold, four-fold, or five-fold, depending on the offense. • Numbers 5:6-7 – Restitution plus 20 percent when confession is made. • Proverbs 6:30-31 – A thief “must pay seven times; he must give up all the wealth of his house.” • Luke 19:8 – Zacchaeus: “If I have cheated anyone of anything, I will repay four times the amount.” Jesus responds, “Today salvation has come to this house” (v. 9). • Matthew 5:23-24 – Leave the gift at the altar, be reconciled first, then worship. • Ephesians 4:28 – The former thief now “must work… so that he may have something to share with one in need.” Together these passages show that restitution is not just an Old-Testament legalism but a timeless expression of love and righteousness. Why Restitution Still Matters • It reflects God’s own justice and mercy. • It guards community trust; wrongs left unpaid fester. • It witnesses to unbelievers that grace produces tangible change. • It frees the offender’s conscience to enjoy unhindered fellowship with God and people. Everyday Situations Where Restitution Applies • Borrowed items never returned—replace or upgrade them. • Damage to someone’s property—repair it, cover costs, or provide an improved replacement. • Slandering a coworker—publicly correct the record and seek their good name restored. • Underpaying an employee or contractor—add the missing amount with interest. • Digital “borrowing” (music, software, streaming passwords)—purchase legal copies and delete stolen ones. • Relationship betrayals (broken promises, deception)—offer concrete acts that rebuild trust, not merely words. Practical Steps to Make Things Right 1. Ask the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Identify specifically what was taken, damaged, or broken—time, money, reputation, trust. 3. Go directly to the person. Confess without excuse. 4. Offer a clear plan of repayment or restoration, aiming to give back more than was lost (the “double” principle). 5. Follow through promptly; delayed restitution feels like no restitution. 6. Where anonymity is unavoidable (e.g., past theft from a store), contact the business, explain briefly, and mail compensation. 7. Keep records if needed but do not advertise; the goal is reconciliation, not self-promotion. 8. Maintain a posture of humility, ready to accept further steps the offended party deems necessary. Heart Checks along the Way • Are you tempted to minimize the loss you caused? • Do you secretly hope time will erase the matter? • Are you willing to bear financial or social cost so another can be made whole? • Does your plan of restitution mirror the lavish grace God gave you in Christ? Restitution as a Gospel Echo We restore because we have been restored. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He paid a debt we could never cover. When we make restitution, we echo His generosity, showing in miniature what He accomplished in full: wrongs reversed, fellowship renewed, peace secured. |
    |