Restitution: Returning to the Original Condition

Restitution 

1. the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner : seeking the restitution of land taken from blacks under apartheid.

2. recompense for injury or loss : he was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution.

3. the restoration of something toits original state : restitution of the damaged mucosa.

Here is a concept that we have lost.  Restitution was a big teaching back in the 70's when I become a follower of Yeshua/Jesus.  It was told to us repeatedly, that if you wronged someone go and make it right, it will be the biggest witness you can give that your life has changed.  People did that all over, and some even went to jail for crimes committed.  Today, all we seek for is God's approval, His forgiveness, His grace, and it's preached that way. Grace covers everything, no need to make restitution to anyone who we have wronged. While it is true, we have sinned ultimately against God, however, making things right with people brings wrong doing into the light of God's grace.  It destroys the grudges, bitterness, the hatred, of the party wronged, and gives nothing to the Devil to use against God or against you the offender.  

I can think of people in my life that I have forgiven for the wrongs they have committed against me, I hold no grudges.  However, way back in the resesses of my mind, I know these wrong doers are still jerks, and should be punished, but I have moved on through forgiveness.  Restitution would make those sheds of hurt and disappointment go away, and we are free to forget for good the wrong that was committed.  There are a few people in my life that I needed to hear from them, they were sorry for what they did, and an offer to make it right.  Now, the apology would be enough, but in some cases it might mean repayment.  I good friend of mine lost a considerable amount of money from a Christian friend who presented a business deal that he said the Lord was behind.  Not only did the deal go bad, the person presenting the deal disappeared from my friends relatonship circle. Today, this deal presenter continues to pretend he is a big time spiritual prophet.  Come on, no wonder most of us don't trust fellow Christians, they are in many cases no different than the Bernie Madoff's fo the world. Should this person apologize to my firiend?  Of course, and he should pay something back, or at least attempt to. I have example after example of this kind of behavior among Christians. My take on it?  Can't have a changed heart if you swindel people, backbite, hold grudges, become bitter over offensives. Sorry, can be a follower of Yeshua/Jesus with that kind of baggage.  Again, when was the last time you hear that in church, yet it is as Biblical as John 3:16.  It has been my contend for some time if we don't start getting our hearts right with God and our fellow human beings, there will be no revival, no blessing of God, and no message of influence from us.  Period. Is that judgmental...no it's Bible. 

Restitution begins with your repentance and it ends with I am sorry to those I have offended. It ends with the admission of wrong doing, even if it wasn't entirely your fault, you make restitution for what you have done.

It's the best way I know of making things right, and keeping things right.  It changed the lives of tens of thousands in the 70's because people were witnessing the power of God through those who make restitution.

Who do you need to make it right with today....go make restitution and see what God will do.

Keeping it honest and truthful....K

Exodus 22:2-3 2 “If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,  3but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. Luke 19:7-10  7And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”  8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”  9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Other scripture verses on restitution Restitution laws cover a variety of circumstances: assault (Exodus 21:18–19); bodily injury (21:26–27); liability (21:33–36); theft (22:1–4); property damage (22:5–6); irresponsibility (22:7–13); and the loss or damage of borrowed items (22:14–15). Voluntary restitution required the return of the item plus “one-fifth more” (Lev. 6:1–7). In most cases double restitution is required (Exodus 22:4, 7–9). Some crimes required payment of four (22:1; 2 Sam. 12:6) or five (22:1) times the loss or injury. Multiple restitution was usually mandated for items that had extended value.