My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. (Psalm 55:21-22, ESV)
Have you ever stolen someone's joy? Their encouragement in life? Has someone ever robbed you of your joy as his/her action took life, as you had known it and turned it upside down? Was a relationship damaged?
What does it look like to say you're sorry and try, in as much as you're able, to do right and make up for it?
Memories stolen or stained them. Stolen hope. Stolen encouragement. Stolen joy.
What does restitution require?
What does restitution require?
Zacchaeus’s story in Luke 19 gives us a godly pattern for restitution. He admitted his sin and guilt of defrauding people, having cheated them out of what was rightfully theirs. He was truly remorseful over those past actions. Not just in admittance.....but in willingness to change. Such repentance led to restitution.
Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.'
As a tax collector, he had been 1) guilty of defrauding people, 2) remorseful over his past actions, and 3) committed to making restitution.
Restitution that demonstrates repentance. (when possible)
Restitution that demonstrates repentance. (when possible)
We should do the same.
Repentance and restitution are two more tenets of the Christian faith. Fundamentals. Basic Truths.
Repentance + Restitution = Rejoicing.
Repentance served with a cuppa res-TEA-tution brings rejoicing.
