Restitution
“So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember
that your brother has ANY [grievance]
against you, leave
your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then
come back and present your gift.” (Mat 5:23-24 AMPC)
In our opening verse, Messiah Yeshua
is reinforcing the principle of restitution, reparation, and restoration –
known as tikkun – strongly commanded
throughout Torah (see Ex 21:33-36; Ex 22; Lev 6:2-7). Bear in mind that Israel
was an agricultural society not only at the time Torah was written, but also in
the time of our Messiah. Livestock, vineyards, and fields of grain were of
great value; in other words, if my cattle demolished my neighbor’s wheat field,
I could not bring my gift to the altar until I made restitution for the damage
my cattle did. My sacrifice or gift would not be accepted, which meant I would
not receive atonement or forgiveness until such time as reparation and
restoration were accomplished.
The Westernized Church System has interpreted our opening verse as
having to deal with being offended, and while there has certainly been an
offense committed, that is not the main focal point of this verse. We need to
acknowledge the fact that our sacrifices, gifts, and offerings will NOT be recognized without there first being restitution and restoration
made to and with the one who is offended.
How does this relate in our 21st
century environment? What about those who are faithful ‘tithers,’ religiously
giving their 10% while lying on their expense reports and/or timecards. And
there are those who are more than willing to write out large checks to help
with a building fund, while calling in to work for a ‘bogus’ sick day, only to
spend it skiing because the powder was fresh. Let’s dig a little deeper: what of those who find it easy to give to
their favorite Israeli charity, as well as faithfully keep Shabbat, yet all the
while bad-mouthing the neighbor down the street. In all three of these
examples, restitution and reparation need to be made, to the employer that was,
essentially robbed, and to the neighbor that was not 'loved as ourselves.'
Yeshua said, in our opening verse, “any grievance,” for ANY reason. ‘Grievance’ is defined as “a wrong considered as
grounds for a complaint”[1].
Having said that, I would suggest that we should diligently examine any
complaints that others might have of us, and, when possible, attempt to make
amends, even for what might have been perceived
incorrectly. Misunderstandings do
happen; however, it is our
responsibility to make peace with the
one who is offended.
“Do
all matters without grumblings
and disputings, in order that you be BLAMELESS AND FAULTLESS, children of
Elohim without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Phi 2:14-15, emphasis mine)
©2025
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