Ministry of Restitution

"A thief who is caught must pay in full

for everything he stole."

Exodus 22:3

He hurt a lot of people.  As the reformed criminal sat in prison, newly freed from the guilt and punishment earned by his sin but pondering the consequences still left for him to face, a feeling of compassion swept over him.  Faith in Jesus Christ had transformed his heart and he knew he had to try to make things right.  He had callously sent a family into turmoil when he acted in that fateful moment of rage, wreaking havoc in the hearts of a wife, five children, and an extended family.  The lives of these poor people would never be the same because of his selfishness.  He had to try to make things right.

While he knew there was nothing that could replace the life of this man, there was something he could do to ease the burden left in the wake of his crime spree.  In humble obedience to his new Master, he did what he could to provide income for the victim's family.  He labored hard to earn what little he could in the prison's work program and sent the money anonymously to the family.  He also prayed for them often and arranged for the children to receive gifts through secret Santa programs at Christmas time.  

God's heart is one that encourages restitution.  Hebrews 12:14 reveals His desire that I "work at living in peace with everyone."  Sometimes that means I need to make up for the hurt I have caused.  However God leads me to go about doing that, it is clear that I am to carry an attitude of restitution.

Ease Pain

It was hard to focus on anything else because the pain was so great.  My dad had recently lost his leg in a motorcycle accident and was laying in recovery after a second surgery to remove some more damaged tissue.  He was hurting so badly that he didn't even know I was in the room.  I could see in his eyes that the pain overwhelmed him, becoming the center of his attention.  Until the drugs kicked in, my dad would not be able to rest.

In the same way that strong medication can ease the pain enough to let a patient move forward in their recovery, so a victim cannot begin the process of healing until the suffering has subsided.  While there may be nothing I can do to right a wrong I have committed, I can at least ease a bit of the pain that is left behind.

Sometimes this means I must reach out in compassion.  Other times it is necessary for me to act from afar so as not to make matters worse.  However God leads me to act, though, my desire to make amends can ease the pain and suffering I caused enough to promote healing.

When I follow God's lead and take part in the ministry of restitution, He can use me to help ease a bit of the pain I brought about.

Promote Forgiveness

Her father was long dead and gone but the bitterness left by his cruel actions remained.  She lived a life of bondage to her unforgiveness.  Even though he couldn't hurt her anymore, the pain of past actions left open wounds in her heart, handicapping her ability to function as a wife and mother.  Extending the forgiveness Jesus made possible for her was her only hope of recovery.

It is difficult to forgive someone who has hurt me.  In certain situations, an act of goodwill by the one who hurt me can touch my heart in such a way that would break down my defenses.  Soon, I may find myself moving toward forgiveness.

Other times, the idea of letting the offense go is too much for me to bear.  If, however, I see the offender laboring hard on my behalf in an honest spirit of repentance, it may be enough to introduce the idea of forgiveness into my consciousness.

When I have hurt another with my actions or attitude, a simple act of kindness toward the one I wounded may be enough to break down the callous wall erected for their protection.

When I follow God's lead and take part in the ministry of restitution, I can promote forgiveness in those I hurt.

Discourage Sin

He was required to invest hours of labor, spending much of his free time cleaning up the park where he had committed the crime.  While he had never done this kind of work before, he found picking up litter, cleaning public bathrooms and emptying garbage cans to be unpleasant to say the least.  As soon as he finished his community service, the young man vowed never again find himself on the wrong side of the law.

Keeping in mind the difficulty of restitution can make me think twice before I again commit the same offense.  When I remember how long it took for me to regain the trust of a friend after betraying our friendship, I will be more careful when I am tempted to reveal what she has told me in confidence.

Other times, it may be the length of time I labored in prayer over the wounded heart of a neighbor that discourages me from once again reacting in anger.  Or, when I think of the effort it took to earn back what I lost, whether it be trust, peace or my reputation, I will be discouraged from re-committing the same act of folly.

When I follow God's lead and take part in the ministry of restitution, I will think twice before committing the same sin again.

While there are some instances when my effort to make up for what I did wrong could do more damage than good, God desires for His people to carry an attitude of restitution.  In order to make sure I act in a way that will be well-received by those I hurt, I would be wise to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.  When I do, I will find that restoration may help ease some of the pain I caused, promote a spirit of forgiveness, and discourage a repeat of the same sin.  In these ways, the ministry of restitution is a vital part of living in peace with one another.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for how God is leading me to make things right.

When do I only feel guilty for things I have done but don't seek restitution?

How could my willingness to go above and beyond what is necessary promote forgiveness in the hearts of those I hurt?