Someone observed, “Whatever the cost of putting a thing right, it can never be more than the cost of leaving it wrong." Another said, “Many people use mighty thin thread when mending their ways.” If repentance is the hardest action, restitution may be the second. Restitution has to do with the feet because we must go to the one we have wronged.
The words “restore,” “restored,” and “restitution” occur 73 times, mostly in the Old Testament. Comprehensively, the word refers to “paying back” or compensation for harmful behavior. It does not always refer to sin on the part of the offender (Jeremiah 30:17; Joel 2:25). Every dispensation discusses the importance of restoration. Abimelech was told to “restore the man (Abraham-NO) his wife” (Genesis 20:7). The Law of Moses required restitution for stolen property (Exodus 22:1-12; Leviticus 6:4-5; 24:21a; Proverbs 6:31). David was said to restore land to Mephibosheth that was Saul’s (2 Samuel 9:7). Nehemiah grew angry with the people for taking advantage of their brothers and commanded them to make restitution (Nehemiah 5:11-12). The last part on the fruit of repentance is that we make sure we are on good terms with people (1 Samuel 12:3). In fact, restitution is just the natural response to repentance.[1]
Salvation cannot be obtained if restitution is not made. After entering Jericho, Jesus met a man of short stature named Zaccheus. Interestingly, Jesus ushered him to hurry and come down for He must abide in his house. Zaccheus joyfully accepted and received the Savior into His house. This meeting was more than a common meal—it was a meal of restoration. Zaccheus was a chief tax collector. This involved taking taxes for the Roman empire, but some collectors were known for stealing. Knowing his fault (likely after a conversation with Jesus) he repents (implied) and makes restitution: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8). Jesus does not proclaim salvation until Zaccheus utters this statement (Luke 19:9-10). Truly, restitution was important and essential.
Sinners and Christians who repent must also make restitution. The man who stole cannot only steal no longer, but he should, to the best of his ability, give back the money he stole. The woman who gossiped must not only gossip no longer, but also correct lies she has told. Sometimes restitution cannot be made in the fullest sense (murder, adultery, etc.); however, one should try his best to make the necessary corrections. “In the washroom... British newspaper publisher and politician William Beverbrook happened to meet Edward Heath, then a young member of Parliament, about whom Beverbrook had printed an insulting editorial a few days earlier. ‘My dear chap," said the publisher, embarrassed by the encounter. ‘I've been thinking it over, and I was wrong. Here and now, I wish to apologize.’ ‘Very well,’ grunted Heath. ‘But the next time, I wish you'd insult me in the washroom and apologize in your newspaper.’”[2]
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