Courtney Gilmore When we wrong another person, God demands that we make restitution. That’s justice for both parties involved. But there’s also a spiritual reason He requires restitution. If we’ve already made things right with the person we wronged, then when we go to God to ask for forgiveness, then we’ve already demonstrated true repentance. This proves that we aren’t just trying to be absolved from our guilt.
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
If we’re allowed to harm others with no consequence or sacrifice and still be absolved of our guilt, we have no reason to treat others well. But also, a truly repentant person wants to make it right! Their conscience won’t allow them to remain unharmed or without loss while another suffers harm or loss at their hand.
So, the law teaches the heart what is right. When a person seemingly gets away with something, they are often plagued with guilt. They may have begged God for forgiveness and even believe that He’s forgiven them, but somehow they still don’t feel free from their sin. The reason is because they know they haven’t paid the price for it.
As Christians, we can explain that only Jesus can pay the price required for our sin and we can point them to Him, but often the person still doesn’t feel absolved. That’s because they know they’ve wronged someone and they haven’t made it right. God desires repentance and reconciliation with others, not just with Him.
Making restitution demonstrates repentance and sacrifice brings reconciliation.
Making Amends
This is a well-known concept displayed in books, movies, songs, and even popular self-help or rehabilitation programs. It is common for people to turn to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful behaviors to numb their guilty conscience. That is why many rehab programs require that their patients make amends with anyone they have wronged. If it is a Christian program, then they will also lead them to make amends with God. This does not just apply to people that are engaging in harmful behavior. I only mention it because it is a common thread that is even recognized in secular circles.
But we are all susceptible to feeling the kind of guilt that we just can’t get rid of no matter how hard we try. If you happen to be feeling that today, maybe it is because you have gotten away with something that you know you shouldn’t have. To truly feel free, you will probably need to confess to the person you have wronged and either serve whatever consequence that’s fitting to them or be forgiven by them.
If your sin requires a public or lawful admission, then you should confess and submit to the consequences. Because you have been avoiding them for years and probably initially felt great relief at your sin not being known, this may seem counterintuitive. But after living awhile in your own prison of guilt, hopefully you will see that it is the only way to ever be free from it.
Jesus Paid for Your Sin
Lastly, if you have confessed and paid for your sin here on this earth, if you have done all you can to make it right to everyone you have hurt, then give it to God. Let Him fully free you. He has already made a way. He sent His Son to pay the price for your sin. If you are still paying for it too, then why did Jesus die for you? The purpose of His sacrifice is pointless towards you, if you don’t accept it and apply it to your life.
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:29
He has no desire for anyone to live in guilt and shame any more than He desires for an innocent person to be harmed by another. You cannot help your victim by feeling bad. The only purpose of your sorrow is for repentance, restitution, and reconciliation.
Even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it, for I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss form us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Corinthians 7:8-10
Let it Go!
Once it has accomplished its purpose, then there is no longer any use for it. So confess it to God and man, ask for forgiveness, make it right, and then let it go.
If I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
Galatians 2:18-21
Read the study that goes along with this post “Don’t Mind Your Own Business”
