Restitution 3

Memory Verse: …  “ No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God – Micah 6:8 (NLT).

Text: Genesis 33:1-11

Spiritual Emphasis: Restitution is commanded by God to enable us follow peace with all men. It is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly. God is a just God and He expects justice from everyone (Jeremiah 22:3). In this series, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings. 

      The Importance of Restitution

• Restitution is a sign of genuine repentance: Zacchaeus’ example and Jesus’ response are proof of this – Luke 19:1-10; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
• Restitution restores peace: Making restitution can go a long way towards restoring peace and unity. This may be hard sometimes, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us – Romans 12:18.
• Restitution is an application of the second Great Commandment: When you’re wronged in some way, don’t you want the offending party to make it right? Love your neighbor as yourself, and do to them as you want them to do to you – Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 6:31.
• Restitution helps us have a clear conscience towards God and towards man – 1 Samuel 12:1-5; Acts 24:16.
• Restitution helps to ensure we don’t repeat the same wrong or sin: We’re wise to see restitution as an opportunity to discipline ourselves, allowing it to teach us to avoid the same sin in the future – Proverbs 26:11; Ephesians 5:15-17.

Questions/Activities: In what way can restitution help you move on or forgive yourself? (Hint: Acknowledge the sin, Repent from the sin, Asking forgiveness from those you have hurt, Forgiving yourself – 1 John 1:8-9; Acts 3:19; Matthew 5:23-24; Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; Romans 8:1).