Apparently, wronging another person isn't just wronging that specific person. The person is said to be unfaithful to the LORD and carries guilt (see Numbers 5:5). Does this surprize you?
I know that whatever we do, good or bad, will have repercussions on others but hadn't really stopped to think it through as being unfaithful to the LORD when we do wrong. Yes, it's sin and sin separates us from God. That's a given. The use of the word 'unfaithful' got at me. As followers of Jesus Christ, I'd like to believe most of us desire to be faithful to our LORD. So the usage of the word UNfaithful made me sit up and take notice.
Our guilt needs to be confessed and as Numbers 5:7 instructs, restitution made. The value thereof is not just the basic of the wrong but an added fifth is required. No doubt seeking forgiveness and a mending of a relationship, at least to a civil degree, is likely a desired outcome as well.
First off is to seek the LORD's forgiveness by confessing our wrong to Him (see 1 John 1:9). Then go make restitution to the wronged person. God's word really covers all bases here and doesn't let the guilty person off the hook. If the wronged person is no longer in this world or in an unknown location, then restitution goes to the close relative. If that recourse fails, then the restitution...
"...belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest" (Numbers 5:8).
After all, the sin and guilt is actually that of having been unfaithful to the LORD in the first place.
At times we may still have a lingering regret or feeling of guilt especially when we were unable to 'make it right' with a person we've wronged, whether intentionally or unintentionally. If the person has left this world, I've heard of some people still writing a letter to the wronged party or even going to the grave and talking it out (don't get me wrong...NOT consulting the dead), so that one might have peace of mind and heart. However, if the person is still living and you manage to come across him or her in the course of life, I believe we can still try to grab the opportunity to seek the forgiveness and make restitution.
Some of you may be thinking keenly on Jesus' words to His disciples as seen in Matthew 18:15-19. This is coming from a different angle but to me it feels like a similar principle at work. Perhaps the wrong-doer doesn't realize or admit to their wrong-doing. He or she has sinned against another but there is due process to make restitution if the offender has a willing, submissive and repentant heart.
If...
"he listens you've won your brother over" (Matthew 18:15).
If he doesn't listen then the confronter takes two or three others and subsequently telling the church. The wrong-doer will be disciplined and treated as if he is a non-believer, if he has hardened his heart with unforgiveness.
God in heaven sanctions what we as a church, even of two or three witnesses, decide and declare here on earth. These are very serious matters and not to be taken lightly.
Going the extra mile to repair damage done to another is termed 'sacred' in God's book, whether it's given directly to the wronged party or to the priest. This restitution belongs to the other party and it is the wrong-doers' responsibility to give...
"...to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God" - so to speak (see Mark 12:17).
I feel we need to also keep God's mercy in mind when we talk about sin, wrong-doing, guilt and even in making full restitution. As a line of song by Keith and Kristyn Getty goes,
"Our sins they are many but His mercy is more".
God has had great mercy on us who were sinners. We did not get what we deserved. Rather He offered us the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins through His Son Jesus Christ. We do well to keep this in mind and humbly learn from Him especially if we have been the wronged party.
Thank God for His mercy that made restitution for us even though we were the ones who wronged Him. Let us be faithful and guilt free in His sight.
Thank You, Father God!
~ERC February 2024~
Based on Numbers 5:5-10 NIV.
Sing, His Mercy is More, along with Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
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