Restitution is the act of making amends or giving something back to restore what was lost or stolen. The Bible has a lot to say about restitution and making things right when someone has been wronged. Here is an overview of the key biblical principles about restitution:
Old Testament Laws About Restitution
In the Old Testament, God provided many specific laws to the Israelites about restitution. These laws were designed to promote justice, righteousness, and restoration within the community. Some key examples include:
- If someone’s ox killed their neighbor’s ox, they had to sell their ox and split the money, to compensate for the loss (Exodus 21:35).
- If someone stole an ox or sheep and slaughtered it, they had to repay five oxen or four sheep back (Exodus 22:1).
- If someone caused damage to another person’s field or vineyard, they had to make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard (Exodus 22:5).
- If thieves could not repay what they stole, they could be sold into slavery until the debt was paid (Exodus 22:3).
- Property had to be restored to its original owners in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25).
So the Law demanded full compensation plus extra when someone’s property was damaged or stolen. The punishment matched the crime, to discourage such behavior in the future. Victims were to be made whole again.
Restitution for Sins
In addition to material goods, the Bible speaks of spiritual restitution for sins. When someone wronged God, sacrifices and offerings were required to make amends. For example:
- Trespass offerings were required when people sinned unintentionally against holy things (Leviticus 5:14-16). This restored the holy status of the temple or priests.
- Guilt offerings atoned for sins done in ignorance, when people realized their wrongdoing later (Leviticus 5:17-19).
- Under Mosaic law, sacrificial restitution was required for sins and ceremonial uncleanness (Numbers 5:5-8). This made people clean before God again.
The ultimate restitution for sins was made by Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins once and for all, restoring our relationship with God (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:1-2). No more sacrifices are needed.
Restoring Relationships
In addition to material and spiritual restitution, the Bible encourages interpersonal restitution to restore broken relationships. For example:
- Jesus said to reconcile with others before presenting gifts to God (Matthew 5:23-24).
- Zacchaeus demonstrated repentance by paying back those he cheated four times over (Luke 19:8).
- Paul voluntarily collected offerings for the poor in Jerusalem to restore relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).
Making things right in relationships demonstrates love, repentance, and justice. It brings reconciliation between people, communities, and God.
Restitution in the Law of Christ
While we are no longer under the Old Testament law, the principles of restitution continue under the law of Christ. Believers are to make amends when they have harmed others. As Paul writes:
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:1-2).
and
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
The guidelines for restitution under Christ’s law include:
- Be humble – don’t demand restitution for yourself, but freely give to others.
- Be just – make amends for any wrongful actions that harmed others.
- Aim for reconciliation – restoring relationships, not just paying damages.
- Repent and obey – change your behavior and follow God’s ways from now on.
As we seek to live holy lives, being willing to make restitution demonstrates the changed heart of a true believer.
Restitution When Sinned Against
What should believers do when someone sins against them? The Bible advises:
- Be patient – don’t retaliate but wait on God (Romans 12:17-21).
- Forgive – let go of bitterness; you’ve been forgiven much (Colossians 3:13).
- Do good – repay evil with good (Romans 12:21, Luke 6:27-28).
- Pray – bless them and give it to God (Matthew 5:44).
However, if possible, we should still seek reasonable restitution to make things right:
- Approach gently – share your hurt feelings honestly but with grace (Matthew 18:15).
- Expect humility – they should be sorry and seek your forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4).
- Aim for reconciliation – restoring relationship, not punishing them.
- Leave vengeance to God – He will repay all wrongs justly (Romans 12:19).
As we humbly extend forgiveness to others, we can trust God to change their hearts or enact justice. Our focus should be on living at peace (Romans 12:18).
Key Principles
In summary, here are some key biblical principles about restitution:
- Make amends for wrongdoing; restore what was taken.
- Aim to reconcile relationships and make peace.
- Repentance and changed behavior should accompany restitution.
- Forgive others freely as God forgave you.
- Trust God for justice when sinned against.
- Restitution reflects a desire to obey God and do what is right.
The biblical model of restitution is not a hard-and-fast legal requirement. Rather, it flows out of a transformed heart seeking to live justly and make right what is wrong. Our human efforts always fall short, so we rely on God’s grace and forgiveness. But where possible, restitution is an important part of reconciling ourselves and our relationships to God.
