As a small boy, Ranjit had stolen Sri Lankan rupee 37.50 from his neighbor Subramaniam and Eluvai, a neighbor who were neighbors in the year 1970. Later Ranjit migrated to India did many odd jobs and established himself in a catering business. The Bible verse convicted him: “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. (Psalms 37:21) He went to Sri Lanka after 53 years and found their descendants – three sons and a daughter. Ranjit gave Rs. Sri Lankan rupees 70000 each as restitution and was reconciled with that family. (Deccan Herald, 13 December 2024 and other TV news channels) True repentance includes restitution, restoration, and reconciliation.
Bible:
People who read the Bible with an open mind and willing heart could listen to the voice of God. The Bible is not a dead literature, a living document, and God speaks through His written Word even today. Ranjit understood that he was wicked, for he had borrowed or stolen as a boy, and had not returned it yet. Then he took the right action to pay back, even though it was his hard-earned money.
Restoration:
From India, he traveled to Sri Lanka and made it a point to visit the family. The couple to whom he owed money were dead. He did not make it as an excuse not to give. Instead, he found three sons, the couple’s descendants, and gave them the money. He did not give the same meager amount, but calculated the interest and other factors and gave 70000 each of three descendants.
Zacchaeus model:
In the city of Jericho, Zacchaeus was the Roman representative to collect taxes. He collected the excess that was required. The Lord when he visited his home, confessed, and gave four times to all from whom he had collected illegally. (Luke 19:8) Mosaic Law requires a thief to return two-fold, but Zacchaeus did more than required. (Exodus 22:4) Paul volunteered to return the money stolen by Onesimus on his behalf. (Philemon 1:18)
Do I understand that repentance includes restitution, restoration, and reconciliation?