Reparations have been a topic of debate for years, particularly in the context of historical injustices like slavery and colonization. What does justice look like in this case? It’s a complex issue that requires understanding the past and determining how to create a fairer future.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Jealous
What Does The Bible Say About Reparations
Exodus 22:3
“If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”
This verse addresses the restitution of stolen property, highlighting the importance of reparations to restore justice and make amends for wrongdoing.
Leviticus 5:16
“And he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found”
God commands the repayment of what was unlawfully obtained, emphasizing the principle of reparations as a means of rectifying harm caused to others.
Leviticus 6:4-5
“He shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”
In cases of intentional wrongdoing without remorse, the offender is required to pay back four times the value of what was taken, demonstrating the seriousness of restitution and reparations.
Proverbs 6:31
“But if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of theft and the need for repayment, illustrating the principle of reparations as a means of justice and restoring dignity.
Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so, you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
God promises restoration and abundant blessings to those who have experienced shame and disgrace, affirming His commitment to reparations and ultimate justice.
Jeremiah 21:12
“Execute justice in the morning, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed, lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of your evil doings.”
This verse emphasizes the urgency of seeking justice for those who have been wronged, including providing reparations, as neglecting to do so can lead to divine judgment.
Ezekiel 33:15
“He shall restore the pledge, give back what he has taken by robbery, and walk in the statutes of life, not doing injustice; he shall surely live; he shall not die.”
God calls for the restoration of what has been unlawfully taken, promoting reparations as a tangible way of living according to His righteous standards.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse reminds us of God’s expectation for us to prioritize justice, extending mercy to those who have been wronged and pursuing reparations as an expression of humility and righteousness.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Jesus teaches the importance of reconciling with others before offering worship or sacrifices, emphasizing the need for reparations and restoration in relationships.
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
The Golden Rule highlights the concept of treating others with fairness and respect, which includes acknowledging and making reparations for any harm inflicted upon them.
Luke 19:8
“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’”
Zacchaeus demonstrates the transformative power of reparations by willingly repaying those he had wronged and giving generously to the poor, exemplifying the spirit of restitution.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
The command to love one another includes the responsibility to seek justice and make reparations when wrong has been done, affirming the redemptive power of love.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?”
Paul encourages believers to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness over legal disputes, promoting the spirit of reparations and restitution as a means of healing relationships.
Ephesians 4:28
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
This verse highlights the transformation that occurs when someone turns away from wrongdoing and engages in honest work, enabling them to make reparations and contribute to the well-being of others.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
James emphasizes the significance of loving our neighbors as ourselves, compounding the importance of pursuing justice, reconciling, and making reparations when necessary.
James 4:17
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
James reminds believers that neglecting to pursue justice and make reparations when we are aware of the right course of action is sinful, emphasizing the responsibility to address wrongdoing.
1 John 3:17-18
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
John urges believers to display love through tangible actions, including making reparations, when confronted with the needs of others, challenging us to live out our faith authentically.
Genesis 33:9
“But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.'”
Esau’s response to Jacob’s offer of restitution demonstrates a spirit of forgiveness and graciousness, providing an example of how reparations can lead to reconciliation and healing.
Leviticus 6:1-7
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. And he shall bring to the priest as his compensation to the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering.'”
God provides detailed instructions for making restitution to those whom harm has been done, indicating the necessity of reparations in cases of deceit, robbery, or oppression.
Ruth 4:6
“Then the redeemer said, ‘I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.'”
The kinsman redeemer’s decision to relinquish his right demonstrates sacrificial generosity, illustrating the willingness to make reparations for the sake of others.
Psalm 51:4
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”
King David acknowledges his wrongdoing and recognizes that making amends and seeking reparations is ultimately a matter of aligning with God’s righteous judgment.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts the sinfulness of neglecting or despising one’s neighbor with the blessing that comes from extending generosity, including reparations, to those in need.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
Isaiah reveals that true righteousness involves actions that bring about justice and compassion, including making reparations and caring for the needs of the marginalized.
Luke 3:8
“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”
John the Baptist emphasizes the need for genuine transformation and a change of heart, which includes making reparations and seeking justice as evidence of true repentance.