RESTITUTION: MARK OF GENUINE REPENTANCE

A. INTRODUCTION
As we count down to the end of another LENTEN season, moreso given the tendency for an enhanced sense of remorse with a view to come out of the season as better Christians, the subject of RESTITUTION is pertinent and expedient as a genuine mark of a genuine repentance and a genuine Christian.
B. DEFINITION OF TERMS
(1) RESTITUTION:
i. The act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its owner.
ii. Payment that is made to someone for damage, trouble etc.
iii. It is a restoration of something to its rightful owner.

Synonyms are Damages. Indemnification Reparation, Compensation etc.

(2) REPENTANCE
To feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right.

To turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.
To change one’s mind.

C. THE CORRELATION BETWEEN RESTITUTION AND REPENTANCE
There is no point confessing a shortcoming and repenting as this season demands without making effort to RESTITUTE.

What is the point saying I confess to God and repent for stealing a wrist watch if one continue to use it to observe time.
(Daily Guide – 12/2/18.)

D. RESTITUTION IN THE OT: Lev. 5:14-7:7; Exod. 22:1, 3-6, 14, Lev. 6:2-5, Num. 5:7-8.

E. RESTITUTION IN THE NT – Luke 19:1-10 CASE STUDY OF ZACCHAEUS
(a) Guilty of defrauding people
(b) Remorseful of wrong doing
(c) Commitment to restitution
(d) Saved and forgiven
(e) Public Confession
(f) Public relinquishing of all illgotten wealth
F. WHAT TO RESTITUTE – Mark 6:14-29.
Clothe stolen from line, must be returned shoes stolen, items from the office, borrowed items, Ezek 33:14; Judges 17:1
Borrowed Bible
Borrowed books from library
Lies told against somebody,
Little salt, matches taken from neighbours without permission
Adultery, fornication, committed
Money borrowed from a person who is now dead
Money taken from husband’s purse without permission
Properties of widows and orphans must be returned; Workers salaries owed
Wife of others taken
Husband of others taken

NB: The problem that love of MONEY and the desperation to acquire it will cause, is such that money can never handle (FOOD FOR THOUGHT)

G. WHY RESTITUTE – 1 Sam 12:1-5
1. To have a clear conscience – Acts 24:16
2. To have testimony
3. To enable restoration
4. To have peace of mind
5. To be blessed
6. To make things right with fellow men
7. To enjoy life and not endure it.

H. EXAMPLES OF RESTITUTION
Abimelech – Gen. 20:1-9, 14
Joseph brothers – Gen. 50:15-19
Benhadad – 1 Kings 20:34
Injustices opposed – Neh. 5:11-12
Zacchaeus – Lk. 19:8-9
High Priest – Acts 23:1-5
Run away servant – Philemon 17-19

I. DANGERS OF NOT TO RESTITUTING
Job 20:10, Prov. 14:9; Rachael’s story – Gen. 31:26-37, Gen. 35:16-19.

J. HOW TO RESTITUTE
1. Pray to God
2. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit
3. Seek right counsel from right people – Gal. 6:1.

CONCLUSION
Restitution is Scriptural. Search within you, search around you and return whatever belongs to another that you had taken in time of ignorance.