Michael,

Many perceive that restitution is essential to forgiveness, if not a prerequisite, but that is not the scriptural model. God forgives us because we need to be forgiven so that reconciliation can take place and there is no possible way for us to pay Him restitution for what He suffered because of our sins. Sometimes restitution plays an instructive role and is good, but it is not mandatory and in the current social context the demands by Blacks in America to continue receiving benefits and advantages not enjoyed by the rest of society is increasingly being viewed as an odious offense making reconciliation more difficult. Instead of demanding restitution, what if we just loved people and let God's transforming power change them? Doing that takes restitution out of the picture and builds unity in Him as we become citizens of the Kingdom of God.