Someone Swiped the Church Debit Card

A man recently walked into the church office here at Faithful Word Baptist Church with an envelope. He appeared very nervous as he handed it to our deacon. He quickly muttered that he had found the church debit card and was returning it. The deacon took the envelope and thanked him, and the man quickly left.

When the deacon opened the envelope, there was more than just the debit card inside. There was also a receipt, some cash, and a note. In the note, the man explained that he was sorry for taking the debit card. He had needed some things, which he had purchased on the card, but then he felt bad about what he had done. It turned out the card had been dropped in a parking lot the night before.

Sir, if you are reading this we forgive you. Rarely do people voluntarily make restitution after stealing something. It took courage for you to right this wrong. God bless you. You are welcome at our church any time.

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

There are a couple of thoughts that came to mind when I heard this story:

1. We need to forgive people—especially when they repent and ask for forgiveness.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

2. We should ask for forgiveness when we wrong someone and do our best to make it right.

The biblical penalty for stealing is restitution. In the end, this man did the right he thing. He not only apologized, but he made restitution.

1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

Exodus 22:1-6

Here is a sermon to go with this article.