Confession, Restitution, and Handling Offense with Unbelievers

You should not seek restitution for their offense at your confession, as the work of restitution is required for your own past wrongs to ensure a conversion from sinful practices to righteousnessGCDB February 24, 1899, par. 10. When you have taken the requisite steps of repentance, confession, and restitution for your own errors, you are then in a position to teach others the way of salvation and present Christ as the one who can save fallen manST September 2, 1889, par. 8.

Understanding Your Situation

It is a beautiful thing to acknowledge your mistakes, especially regarding appetite, which often bears sway over the mind and conscience in this age1MCP 297.3. While your friend may have been offended by your words, remember that even Christ was misrepresented by those around Him; the Jews called Him a gluttonous man and a winebibber because He associated with publicans and sinnersRH December 2, 1902, par. 5. If you have been honest and kind, you have acted as a representative of the family of the heavenly KingPH088 5.1.

The Role of Restitution

Restitution is a vital part of the gospel in practice, but it applies specifically to cases where you have wronged someone or robbed GodCH 579.1+1.

• Restoring Wrongs: If a person has been dishonest or has taken something from another, they should be anxious to make restitution, just as Zacchaeus offered to restore fourfold if he had taken anything by false accusation1888 62.1+1.

• Robbing God: If you have withheld tithes and offerings, you should repent and make restitution to God as far as it lies in your power Malachi 3:8-10ST October 14, 1889, par. 11.

• Healing Relationships: The goal of this work is to break up the fallow ground of the heart and show the genuineness of one's repentance1888 62.1.

How to Move Forward with Your Friend

You are called to remove every stumbling block from the feet of unbelievers, and you have already begun this by being honest about your struggle with appetiteCH 579.1. Here is how you can continue to let the peace of God rule in your heart:

• Manifest Christian Courtesy: Even when dealing with varied minds that may be easily irritated, you should always be kind, courteous, and move discreetlyTSDF 123.5+1.

• Let Your Life Be the Evidence: The best testimony you can give to an unbeliever is a life that demonstrates Christ is alive within you Galatians 2:20BEST August 15, 1893, par. 3.

• Focus on the Father's Love: Instead of focusing on accusations or your own failings, let your future conversations make known what God really is—a Father waiting with yearning love to receive the returning prodigalGW 157.3.

• Be Gentle: Labor for the souls of others should be done "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little," giving their minds time to digest the truths you shareCSW 119.1.

In your journey, remember that Jesus is at your side to journey the rough road with you10MR 177.1. He understands every sorrow and beats in sympathy with your heart10MR 177.1. Continue to keep your appetite under the control of reason and cultivate self-control so that your mind may remain clear to comprehend spiritual thingsTSDF 142.11+1. Be of good courage, for Christ has made ample provision to impart new vigor and divine strength at every advance step10MR 177.1+1.