Restitution: A Biblical Principle of Justice and Restoration
Introduction
The concept of restitution is deeply rooted in the Bible. Restitution involves restoring or compensating someone for a wrong committed. It is more than an apology—it’s a concrete action of repair. God’s heart for justice is evident throughout the Bible, and restitution plays a key role in demonstrating genuine repentance and righteousness.
Old Testament: God’s Law of Restitution
In the Old Testament, restitution was part of the Law given to Israel. God’s instructions were clear: when harm or loss occurs, it must be made right through restitution.
•Exodus 22:1 (ESV): “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”
This verse emphasizes that the penalty for theft wasn’t just returning what was stolen, but going above and beyond in repayment, signaling the seriousness of the offense and the importance of justice.
•Leviticus 6:4-5 (NIV): “…when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them… They must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the owner on the day they present their guilt offering.”
Here, restitution is linked to repentance. God requires not only the return of what was stolen but an additional 20%, teaching that true repentance should include generous restoration.
New Testament: Restitution and Repentance
In the New Testament, the heart behind restitution is made even clearer: it is an expression of repentance and transformation in Christ. This can be seen especially in the story of Zacchaeus. He is so moved by seeing and listening to Jesus he fully repents.
•Luke 19:8-9 (NIV): “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house…’”
Zacchaeus’ willingness to make restitution was a fruit of his repentance. His heart had been changed, and his outward actions reflected his inward transformation. Jesus affirmed that true salvation brings both spiritual and practical restoration.
Restitution and Our Lives Today
Though we no longer live under the Old Testament law, the principle of restitution remains relevant. When we wrong others—whether intentionally or not—God calls us to make amends where possible. It is a tangible way to demonstrate the love and justice of God in our lives. Whether through money, resources, or other forms of compensation, restitution helps rebuild trust, repair relationships, and reflect God’s kingdom values of justice and restoration.
•Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV): “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Reconciliation and restitution are so important that Jesus taught us to prioritize them over religious offerings. God desires our relationships to reflect His justice and grace.
Making Amends
12 Step Recovery programs include the concept of restitution. After steps for a thorough moral inventory and confession is the step for making aments to those we have harmed. It may not be possible to return stolen property. It broadens the concept to any other harm, be it insult or deceit or any number of wrongs.
The people at prepinc.com share a story in the context of marriage. There was a husband who decided to clean out the garage while his wife was out of town. In the process he threw away her high school senior year book. It’s not clear if this was intentional or not. When the deed was discovered it didn’t stop with an apology. He was able to acquire another copy. Then he went to as many of her high school classmates as possible and had them sign the new book. That is a great example of restitution.
Conclusion: Restitution as a Path to Healing
Restitution isn’t just about making things right—it’s about reflecting the heart of God, who is a God of justice and restoration. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that seeks to restore what has been lost or broken, bringing healing and wholeness into our world
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