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Restitution Is Required, May 6
If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed,
walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall
surely live, he shall not die.
Ezekiel 33:15
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No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation....
The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the
manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every
transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. “Holiness
unto the Lord” is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds,
receipts, and bills of exchange. Those who profess to be followers
of Christ, and who deal in an unrighteous manner, are bearing false
witness against the character of a holy, just, and merciful God.... If we
have injured others through any unjust business transaction, if we have
overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within
the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution
as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which
we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right
and wise use during the time it has been in our possession.
If we have in any manner defrauded or injured our brother, we should
make restitution. If we have unwittingly borne false witness, if we have
misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we
should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and
take back all our injurious misstatements.
It will not be long before probation will close. If you do not now
serve the Lord with fidelity, how will you meet the record of your un-
faithful dealing? ... If you have refused to deal honestly with God, I
beseech you to think of your deficiency, and if possible to make resti-
tution. If this cannot be done, in humble penitence pray that God for
Christ’s sake will pardon your great debt. Begin now to act like Chris-
tians. Make no excuse for failing to give the Lord His own. Now, ...
while it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted, while it is called
today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
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