Is saying “I’m sorry” good enough?

“If someone steals an ox or sheep and then kills or sells it, the thief must pay back five oxen for each ox stolen, and four sheep for each sheep stolen.”

Exodus 22:1 (NLT)

Today we look at practical laws concerning the control of animals, theft, arson, and care for the possessions of others. A strong current of restitution runs through these commandments. Restitution is often neglected in our society. If people admit their guilt, they may apologize, but they often do little to put things right with those they have wronged.

Consider these laws of restitution:

• If your ox gores your neighbor’s slave to death, then you pay your neighbor 30 pieces of silver.
• If you dig a pit and your neighbor’s animal falls into it and dies, then you pay your neighbor for the dead animal.
• If you steal an ox, you must restore five oxen.
• If your animal grazes in your neighbor’s field, then you replace the loss with the best of your field.
• If you start a fire, then you make restitution for what is destroyed.
• If you borrow an animal from your neighbor, and it gets sick or dies, then you must make it good.

We can apply the principle of restitution to other offenses that hit closer to home. For example, if you have spoken against your neighbor behind his back, and later discover that you misjudged him, do you make restitution by going to the people you’ve spoken to, admitting your fault, and restoring your neighbor’s reputation?

The universal principle is that if we know we have offended someone, we should take pains to put things right. Telling your neighbor, “I’m sorry,” is a start, but it isn’t enough. “What can I do to put this right?” would be a good follow-up question. Then make sure you do it. This is costly, but it is well worth the effort to care for our relationships.

“Heavenly Father, we have all sinned in many ways. We have hurt people whom you love. Show us our sins and help us to make things right with those we have wronged. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Photo by Judith Prins on Unsplash