Originally posted: 03/12/2019

This theme of restitution is emphasized with the repeated use of four key words: “if,” “shall,” “restitution,” and “pay double.”

The LORD was establishing the foundation for community; “if” His people were to live in right relationship with their God and each other, they “shall” commit to make “restitution,” and when warranted, to “pay double.” This would both require and demonstrate reliance upon His Grace.

Consider His Grace through Restitution

“If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry… And it shall come about that when he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am gracious,” (22:23, 27)

“You shall be holy men to Me,” (22:31).

His Grace through Restitution restores peace between man and man.

His Grace through Restitution provokes intentional consideration of others.

His Grace through Restitution provides relief from a guilty conscience.

His Grace through Restitution reveals a life yielded to holiness.

How should we respond to His Grace through Restitution?

• Let us be deliberate in making amends quickly with our brothers and sisters in Christ so that nothing impedes our fellowship and worship. Spend time in prayer asking the Lord to bring to mind any we may we have offended, whether intentionally or accidentally.
  • “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering,” (Matthew 5:23-24).

• Let us commit to treat others with the very grace we have received from God, with a willingness to make restitution whenever needed, in the same way we would want to be repaid .
  • “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” (Matthew 7:12).

• When we sin against others, we sin against God. In our own means we cannot possibly make restitution to Holy God; He Himself has provided the way. Through the sacrifice of Jesus our sins have been forgiven, and when received by faith we are cleansed from sin and set free from the guilt.
  • “Against You, You only, I have sinned
    And done what is evil in Your sight,” (Psalm 51:4).
  • “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” (Ephesians 1:7).
  •  ^“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9).
  • “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water,” (Hebrews 10:22).

• In our respective communities, let us live yielded to His holiness that we would become living demonstrations of His Grace through Restitution.
  • “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins,” (1 Peter 4:8).

Let’s Grow Together!