If we wrong a person, do we need to apologize and make restoration with that person or is confessing to God enough?
Is 'going to God' enough to be forgiven of a particular offense, or do we need to apologize to the person we have wronged and make restoration?
Luke 3:8
ESV - 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.
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Asked November 02 2016
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Lori Cypher
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
The Mosaic Law contained specific provisions (such as Exodus 22:1-15 and Leviticus 6:1-7) dealing with making restitution to those against whom people sinned. The New Testament (to my knowledge) contains no such detailed guidance. However, to me, seeking forgiveness and making restitution with those against whom believers sin would be one of the "fruits" (referred to by John the Baptist in the verse cited in the question) that forgiven believers could (and, in my opinion, should want to) show (whenever possible) as evidence of their sincerity and repentance, and as a testimony to their gratitude for their forgiveness in Christ. For example, when Jesus went to dine at the house of Zacchaeus the tax collector in Luke 19:2-10, Jesus commended Zacchaeus' stated intention to give half his wealth to the poor, and to pay back fourfold anyone whom he had wronged, as a tangible sign that forgiveness and salvation had come to him that day.
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