If seashells could talk, these two would say, “guilty.”
My little boy came home from preschool with a new nervous energy. His bright blue eyes avoided mine. His chubby fingers couldn’t stop fidgeting. Prompted by the Spirit, I dropped down to his eye level and asked if there was anything he needed to tell me. “No,” he said, a little too quickly. When I asked again, the levee broke. His eyes filled with sudden tears. He reached into the pocket of his little overalls and pulled out two tiny, white shells.
“I took them for Nana,” he confessed.
They were just two little shells, no bigger than his pinky fingernail. No one would notice their absence from the sand and water table at school. Still, I loaded my boy back in his carseat and drove him across town.
“I stole these,” he confessed to his teacher, holding the evidence up high for her to see. “I’m sorry.”
We’re all seashell collectors, aren’t we? Taking what doesn’t belong to us. Coveting what we can’t have. Lying to get what we want. Covering our tracks as we go.
To see God as He really is means accepting two realities—one terrifying and hard to face, the other comforting and hard to accept. First, His holiness prevents Him from tolerating even the “smallest” of sins. As Maker of heaven and earth, even the ways we sin against each other offends Him deeply. This is why Numbers 5:6 says, “Tell the Israelites: When a man or woman commits any sin against another, that person acts unfaithfully toward the Lord and is guilty.” In Leviticus we’re reminded that even unintentional sins make us “guilty before the Lord” (Leviticus 5:19).
Who can measure up to such a standard? Not me. Not you.
Yet in seeing our sin as it really is—a gross violation against the God of the universe—we are able to appreciate the lavishness of His mercy. Yes, wrongs need to be made right. Repentance and restitution are required. But the One we sin against is also able to save us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25). And the second truth only moves us once we’re aware of the ways our sin affects us. No sin is too small to slip by God, and no sin is too great for His grace.
Yes, there are consequences. As we read about the severity of sin’s punishment, our stomach’s should turn, but don’t leave the seashells in your pocket. Run to Jesus with tear-filled eyes and open palms. Confess. Repent. Give back what you’ve stolen, and bask again in the wonder of God’s amazing grace. The good news is for sinners. The depth of your depravity is exceeded by the abundance of God’s grace.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
—1 John 1:9
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46 thoughts on "Compensation for Wrongdoing"
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No sin is too great for his grace was a wonderful thing to hear
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No sin is too small to slip by God, and no sin is too great for His grace.
Hello She’s! So glad for this study. Thank you for those who prayed for my situation last week? Things are less stressful this week and I may even have a lead on a position that could be a better fit! If I can also ask for prayer for my mammogram tomorrow, I have a cystic area my doctor wants to check out and rule out anything malignant. Please pray for peace and good results. God is in control. Thank you !
Thank you, CEE GEE, for your help. I also went to a study Bible today… the ESV uses the term “next of kin”, and I talked to my husband about this reading. He is retired law enforcement, and said that the term “next of kin” implies that the wronged person is dead (maybe as a result of being wronged). That helped. I guess I was just assuming that the wronged person was living. Guess not.
Good night, sweet sisters!
These passages really hit home for me. I have seen in the past my brother in law’s “friend” steal from him and pretend that it was an “accident” or that “he would pay him back” even though neither are true. When I read about the compensation for wrongdoing those moments from the past just popped into my head. Back then I wasn’t on my faith journey so I just believed it was wrong and he was a bad friend (still do believe this). But now, especially after reading these passages, I realize it’s even worse. That person is guilty and has sinned against God. Not only should they ask for forgiveness from my brother in law but they also need to repent and ask God for forgiveness. I don’t think he ever will, and unfortunately my brother in law doesn’t see his friend’s actions through the same lens as me because he trusts him, which really makes it even worse. These passages today just reminded me that sin is costly and the “hoops” one has to jump through in order to atone for their sins are necessary to drive that point home. I hope you all have been having a good week so far! ❤️
These passages (and others) clearly show that sin is serious business. It costs. It hurts. It deserves punishment. We all know that. But I think we have it pretty easy, compared to what they had to do in the Old Testament. All the payments, sacrifices. I would have had a hard time keeping track of all of it. I am SO THANKFUL that Jesus paid the penalty and I don’t have to do anything but admit, confess, and ask for forgiveness. But I wonder if that makes sinning easier? Does it make it less serious when we don’t have to make restitution as much? I hope I can keep an attitude of “sin = death”, unless I confess and repent. Father, may I be ever mindful of sins I commit, and be quick to confess and repent. Thank you for Your blood that washes me clean as snow, and removes my sins as far as the east is from the west.
“The Lord spoke”. How often do we not listen to hear him. Thank you Lord for your unfailing grace and mercy.
Sin- how you have pierced my heart! I struggle with the question “what is sin” daily. For example if I have a glass of wine with a friend that is fellowship but if I have a glass by myself is that a sin? Or if by calling someone a jerk when their behavior is jerkish am I sinning – even tho it’s the truth? Or my favorite- I’m thinking something “sinful” in my mind (therefore my heart) yet I do not act or speak that sin into existence am I still sinning??
The world has made everything so grey. Lord please reveal to me my sin and help me turn from it ! Love the addition of Psalm 51 “the sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit” and the beautiful cry out “sustain me by giving me a willing spirit”!! Keep making me new Lord!! Happy Wednesday She’s! ☮️❤️
“The good news is for sinners. The depth of your depravity is exceeded by the abundance of God’s grace.” God’s abundant, amazing grace! This past Sunday my husband preached a sermon titled, “From Death To Life”. In this sermon he brought out the amazing act of God that was finished on the cross. Not only was all our sin forgiven – the past sins of all, the sins that are now being committed and all the sins that will be committed in the future – But God also destroyed the document of our sin. It’s as if they never were committed, any record of it was destroyed forever and ever, it is non-existent! (Colossians 2:13-14) I’ve known 1 John 1:9 since I was a child, I knew God forgave our sin but to hear it explained like this blew my mind! There are no records, anywhere to be found – of my sin, or yours! Hallelujah for God’s amazing, abundant grace!!
@Susan Richardson – praying for healing for your daughter, God’s mercy and grace and peace for your Mama’s heart and for your daughter.
@Jen Jansen – continued prayers that God will heal your heavy heart and your feelings of brokenness.
@Ruth Ann – prayers for Doug’s continued recovery.
@D W – continued prayers for the situation with your daughter & for God’s strength, perspective and comfort.
@Grammie Sue @Linda in NC @Lynn from Alabama – continued prayers for God’s strength, mercy and grace as you care for your loved ones.
@Mercy – prayers for your family as you prepare for your international trip.
@Rhonda – prayers that God will heal your pain, wisdom for you in all of your ministries and that God will do His work in your marriage.
@Michelle – I hope you are settling into your new job. Prayers that God will use you for His glory, right where He has planted you! Continued prayers for your family matters.
@Sarah D & @Taylor and @all other single gals – may God bring the perfect mate into your lives in His way and in His time and may each of you have peace and patience in the waiting.
If I’ve missed any requests – God knows them and I’ll pray also for the unknown or forgotten ones.
Have a blessed Wednesday filled with lots of “Son shine”!
❤️❤️ so thankful for grace. Have a blessed day everyone.
I was the little boy. I told my Sunday School teacher it was my birthday so I could have a toy out of the treasure chest. And my mom knew something was up, not because I told but she had learned already how my sinful nature worked! I could lie and steal without any remorse! And my mom marched me right back in to my teacher to return it!
Oh but the day an 8 year old felt the need to commit her life to Jesus, I could not do the old things without the conviction of the Holy Spirit! It was a process but I am so thankful for God’s grace! And even now, for the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, that sets me straight when i feel like I’m in the right!
Thank you Jesus for making a way. If not, I can’t imagine how many offerings I would have to bring! So thankful for God’s Amazing Grace!
“No sin is too small to slip by God, and no sin too great for His grace.” Thank you for the Cross! Unworthy and overwhelmed.
Honestly, I think God is amazing for setting up a levitical system to deal with a jealous spirit. As I read in a commentary, He doesn’t desire jealousy to be in marriage. It is incredible that drinking this bitter water was the method God used to expose the truth. Either the Lord showed her innocence or her guilt. It is a reminder that our secret sins will be exposed.
The Word says nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord. As an immature believer, I used to think that I could hide my sins away. I was really hiding them from myself. Now, as a more mature believer, why do I want to hide from the One who loves me most? He longs to be in intimate communion with us… As a loving and perfect husband to His bride.
Let us confess our sins to one another, as James says, so that we may be healed. (James 5:16)
❤️
@ Michelle I love this! As I look back, I used to do the same thing you mentioned-“hid my sins”. But now I realize that, 1) I wasn’t hiding them at all and 2) I shouldn’t be compelled to hide from God in the first place. He loves me so profoundly and I love Him. I shouldn’t want to hide myself from Him.
@Laura Diane-So good…thank you always for being so transparent and sharing what we all need to hear!! You were writing as I was and summed up better about today;s way of thinking we are inherently good comparatively!
@Molly R- Always good to see you here and your comments always touch me! I know how busy you are homeschooling and all you have going!
❤️
ADRIENNE – I don’t knkw if this hells but it is from the NKJV WIERSBE STUDY BIBLE-
“The person who committed a trespass against another had to confess it and make restitution. (See Lev. 6:1–7; 7:1–10.) It wasn’t enough just to confess the sin, say, “I’m sorry,” and then bring a trespass offering to the priest. The offender had to pay the injured party (or a relative, or the priest) an amount of money equivalent to the loss incurred and add to it another 20 percent. In this way, the Lord taught His people that sin is costly and hurts people, and that true repentance demands honest restitution.”©2021
Also, Got Questions has an article kn restitution.
“Yet in seeing our sin as it really is—a gross violation against the God of the universe—we are able to appreciate the lavishness of His mercy. Yes, wrongs need to be made right. Repentance and restitution are required. But the One we sin against is also able to save us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).”
JULIA C – ❤
SEARCHING – ❤
GM She’s
I really think it is so imperative to go back and study these chapters in the OT, truth is GOD is HOLY and ALMIGHTY and would could never be holy enough…no hope to get it right, and that is what the law shows. And we can never forget it. Today people live like they are good compared to what is outright wrong in society, so they feel smug and safe…that if there is a heaven, they are surely good enough. Unfortunately we are never good enough. This devotion demonstrates that so perfectly!! I love that example. WE, me and you, are all sinners and far from holy to be in God’s presence. Then steps in Mercy and Grace. That is why the power of Jesus is so overwhelming. And until you come to that profound truth, your walk with the Lord will never be what it could be!! The Cross, our whole Christianity is based on the cross…not only that He gave us a way and saves us so we are cleansed and forgiven-Hallelujah, but that we can live with Him for now until our earthly passing with a NEW JOY and PEACE and LOVE!!! We live to honor him and please him because Jesus makes it possible!!
It is hope where it was hopeless, a message in the mess, a testimony from the test!! Thank you Jesus!! It makes living exciting and joyful, to be a disciple for Jesus, there is nothing greater than serving on his behalf to share this perfect redemption story! We all have a story to share…we were one way before and since HIM we are another way. We want to please Him and live in his prompting and lamp at our feet!! I think of the song
“Mercy” by Elevation Worship. It is on my list to play today at jail ministry! It puts it in a lovely way to sing about! Here is a bit-
I’m living proof
Of what the mercy of God can do
If You knew me then
You’d believe me now
He turned my whole life upside down
He took the old and He made it new
That’s just what the mercy of God can do
Now I’m alive to tell the story
How I’ve overcome
It’s His goodness and mercy
And the power of His blood
I’m so glad that my freedom
Wasn’t based on what I’ve done
But His goodness and mercy
And the power of the blood
I think one of the most dangerous lies Satan is telling people today is that they are not sinful. He (Satan) has twisted sin to be “good” somehow, and it is a mindset that is catching on and gaining momentum. I felt as though I was in this camp for a long time. Not necessarily thinking a particular sin was okay, even acceptable or “cool” so to speak, but that I was basically good, that I didn’t really do anything very bad, therefore, so all of the verses about asking for forgiveness didn’t really strike me very close to the heart.
Then I was hit hard with my husband’s blatant “sin” – an affair. It rocked me. How did I, who was doing all the right things and being such a “goody-goody” deserve this? I was angry. Proud even. Proud in my own righteousness and offended by my husband’s sin. Wow – wrong answer. God, through a friend, spoke some hard truth to me. Somehow, in this broken state, He got through to my proud heart and convicted me of my own sinful state. Psalm 51 became my daily confession. My husband’s blatant sin turned my heart around and allowed my heart to start to see it’s own sinful state. My sins might not have been “blatant”, but they were there and I needed to see them in order to truly understand God’s grace, God’s forgiveness, God’s love towards me. It was a healing time for me in so many ways and a growing time in my life. By recognizing my own sin, I felt even closer to God and more in love with Him.
Confess, repent, and bask in God’s amazing grace.
I can’t even imagine not having God’s grace. It would all feel so hopeless. Thank you Lord God for sending your son to take away our sins of this world.
AMEN
Thankful for God’s grace when I do something I should not. He is always faithful!
So… I am confused. (It doesn’t take much some days!) In the first selection for Numbers (particularly 6-8)… we read about paying compensation to a person who has been sinned against… then it says if there is no relative to receive the compensation, that restitution goes to the LORD for the priest. (How is that for a run-on sentence?!?!) I will do more research, but does anyone have any background for me? (And I will check out that resource you shared, MARIA BAER, because that part was kinda confusing too.)
I heard recently (on a SRT podcast, maybe?) that when we come away with questions, it is a good thing. We don’t have all the answers, and appearing that we do, doesn’t edify anyone.
Have a blessed day, sweet She’s! Keep humming those lyrics, courtesy of TRICIA C. We are so blessed by His grace! And aren’t we glad that He came as the perfect sacrifice, so we don’t have to take all those compensation details and do them ( whether it be for two stolen seashells for Nana or for other sins!)
My understanding is that Jesus came as the sacrifice for our sins, but the compensation of paying back those we wrong is the consequence of our actions and still applies.
So no more sacrifices are needed but still need to restore what happened between us and others.
Ameb
Thankful for the never ending love and grace we receive through Jesus. Confessing and repenting and then giving thanks- on the daily (sometimes all through the day).
SEARCHING.. thank you for sharing Psalm 51:1-19 and Philippians 4:8!!! I added them to my journal!! Both tie in perfectly with today’s scriptures!!! ❤️
♥️
Notes from today:
Numbers 5:5-6
*Wow!! Very eye-opening and sobering!!! Our unfaithful actions/thoughts are directed toward God!! Very humbling!!
Numbers 5:15 …what I highlighted: “it is a grain offering of jealousy, a grain offering for remembrance to draw attention to guilt.”
*this is the first time that I’ve recognized jealousy connected to guilt and guilt connected to jealousy. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense!! Both have a lot of the same root causes and can easily be found intertwined with each other in all kinds of circumstances!! …I know that jealousy/guilt aren’t the focus of what is being said as a whole here, but I am very thankful for this understanding and revelation!! It gives a much bigger, deeper, and wider picture!! It also gives a new more comprehensive perspective!!
1 John 1:9
*Mmm! Amen!! Thank You God!! Your faithfulness, compassion and love towards us, an unfaithful people is mind blowing!!! You bless us SO much!!! SO Thankful!!!
HAVE AN AMAZING AND BLESSING-FILLED DAY DEAR SHE’S!!! MAY WE SEE GOD AND HIS FAITHFULNESS EVERYWHERE WE LOOK!!! AMEN. Xoxo
Eye-opening as I read these few verses on compensation for sin, over and over these sacrifices and rituals were performed. On the cross, Jesus fully compensated for our sins – there aren’t words to express how blessed we are. Psalm 51 comes to mind, along with Philippians 4:8. Praying to keep my eyes on Him.
KELLY (NEO) Agree, when unwarranted jealousy resulted in a woman being put in this position that the Lord protected the innocent.
TRICIA C – grace … I’ll be humming that song today ❤️ Praying for a quick recovery!
SUSAN RICHARDSON – praying for healing for your daughter and to draw closer to the Lord, for guidance to the right medical team and facility.
MIA FAITH ❤️
GRAMSIESUE ❤️
CEE GEE❤️
Dear Father,
You are holy, just, and righteous — terrifying and hard to face.
You are also faithful, full of grace and love — comforting and hard to accept.
It is hard for us to see these “character traits” combined. It is either justice and punishment or love and forgiveness. But You are different: You are both.
As ERIN DAVIS so beautifully said: “No sin is too small to slip by You, and no sin is too great for Your grace”.
May we remember that the good news is for sinners.
May we confess, repent and be amazed by Your abundant grace.
May we rejoice in this truth:
“By grace, I am redeemed
By grace, I am restored
And now I freely walk
Into the arms of Christ, my Lord”
— Grace, by Keith and Kristyn Getty
AMEN.
Not going to lie— Number 5 was super hard to read, and kind of left me as bitter as the water the woman was made to drink. Had to read a couple of commentaries to put it all into context, and understand that “God, the just Judge, stepped in through the mediation of the priest to protect the woman against unjust accusation” or even immediate death. I also really embraced this understanding— that “Ultimately, Jesus on the cross silenced both the just and the unjust accusations of Satan against us all.”
If you are interested, one of the commentaries I read is https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/numbers-5-women
Thank You for making my sins as far as the east is from the west Lord God. Amen
These restitutions and consequences we read about are a reminder to me of the severity of our sin- especially because our culture and daily life feels like it does everything to remove the daily rhythms of living with God. But today, I hope to live in remembrance of Christ’s mercies and the life he saved me from. Praise God!
Thank God sent His Son Jesus! We all struggle with sin everyday But We have a Redeemer that Lives inside of us that helps us to turn away or confess, stand up and start again. No, we should not keep sinning once we have been save, we should continue to ask for our Lord to help us overcome so we can become Righteous and pressure self as a Holy sacrifice.(Romans 12:1). Don’t let your action today turn into regrets for tomorrow. Have a blessed Wednesday.
Although my modern sensibilities cry out “not fare” to “THE JEALOUSY RITUAL,” it was a merciful requirement for the woman as it protected her from being killed by her husband just because he had a “feeling” I have to trust that the Lord protected the innocent woman from getting sick.
TRICIA C – glad you are feeling better and hope you heal up quickly
SUSAN RICHARDSON – praying for your daughter and the medical team. May Jesus flood her heart and mind with His peace and love.
I thought of this song while I was reading this morning.
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Have a wonderful Wednesday dear Sisters! Praying for you requests. ❤️
❤️
This song is playing in my head now! Reminding me of my childhood church. ☺️ ❤️
Ahh, ERIN DAVIS, your little guys story warmed my heart. He took them for Nana. He had good intentions, and for sure his heart is good.. Bless him!
BUT GOD..
Wrong is wrong. Sin is Sin. No matter how small or big, good intentioned or not, in God’s eyes.., we act unfaithfully toward the Lord (our very faithful God) and are guilty.” In Leviticus we’re reminded that even unintentional sins make us “guilty before the Lord” (Leviticus 5:19).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
—1 John 1:9
Lord God, forever thankful for your mercy and grace.. thank you Lord God. Thank you..
Amen.
Happy Wednesday Shes, covered in love, hugs and prayers for a God blessed day..❤️
Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace, even though I am so undeserving of it.
Amen