READ: EXODUS 22:1-8
Restitution still
remains one area of the Christian faith that many believers consider a no-go
area. Although restitution poses some great challenge to believers, it however
has certain benefits that we should not ignore. In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a
very wealthy tax collector encountered Christ. He became born again and
immediately declared to Jesus his resolve to give away 50% of all his wealth to
the poor. He also promised to return four times what he obtained from people
through deceit, false accusation and oppression as the law of Moses commanded
(Exodus 22:1). If somebody stole your car and later gave you four cars you will
be very happy, won’t you?
From this passage the following benefits of restitution can be derived. It is an outward declaration to the world that your life has changed. In this respect, it plays a similar role with water baptism which helps to publicly confess your faith to all. Restitution helps to straighten crooked past, strained relationships and erase hatred and disaffection that had existed between the born again and those offended in times past. Some thieves or oppressors after salvation, go back to witness to the people they stole from or oppressed. You can be sure they would be seen as hypocrites. The only evidence those offended may seek is restitution. Through restitution the gospel message is empowered to actually generate result. Restitution is heaven’s Public Relations tool for effective human relations.
There is a joy that comes from making restitution which a believer cannot have in any other you’re your joy cannot be full without restitution. One other major benefit is that it erodes guilt and condemnation that would have continued even after salvation. Your restitution serves as a motivation for others in your shoes to follow the same example. There are several people who accepted the challenge to restitute when they heard of those who restituted. Restitution gives you assurance of salvation from Jesus Himself (Luke 19:10). Restitution protects you from repeating the same mistakes. Restitution increases your credibility in ministry and in secular assignments and in the process it could bring you unexpected favours. Restitution helps you uproot evil seeds sown in the past and prevents you from their terrible harvest. More than these, it prepares you for heaven. Any pending restitution? Go and settle it.
From this passage the following benefits of restitution can be derived. It is an outward declaration to the world that your life has changed. In this respect, it plays a similar role with water baptism which helps to publicly confess your faith to all. Restitution helps to straighten crooked past, strained relationships and erase hatred and disaffection that had existed between the born again and those offended in times past. Some thieves or oppressors after salvation, go back to witness to the people they stole from or oppressed. You can be sure they would be seen as hypocrites. The only evidence those offended may seek is restitution. Through restitution the gospel message is empowered to actually generate result. Restitution is heaven’s Public Relations tool for effective human relations.
There is a joy that comes from making restitution which a believer cannot have in any other you’re your joy cannot be full without restitution. One other major benefit is that it erodes guilt and condemnation that would have continued even after salvation. Your restitution serves as a motivation for others in your shoes to follow the same example. There are several people who accepted the challenge to restitute when they heard of those who restituted. Restitution gives you assurance of salvation from Jesus Himself (Luke 19:10). Restitution protects you from repeating the same mistakes. Restitution increases your credibility in ministry and in secular assignments and in the process it could bring you unexpected favours. Restitution helps you uproot evil seeds sown in the past and prevents you from their terrible harvest. More than these, it prepares you for heaven. Any pending restitution? Go and settle it.
MEMORIZE:
EXODUS 22:5 –If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall
put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own
field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
