6:7 - Forgiven and Restored

"So the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord, and he shall be forgiven for any one of these things that he may have done in which he trespasses." — Leviticus 6:7

Reflection

Leviticus isn’t usually the book people turn to for encouragement, but Leviticus 6:7 holds a message that’s just as powerful today as it was thousands of years ago. In this verse, God is explaining to the Israelites what to do when someone has wronged another person—whether they lied, cheated, or stole. If they admitted what they did, made things right, and brought an offering to God, the priest would help them be forgiven. This reminds us that God cares deeply about how we treat each other and that He provides a way back when we mess up.

Forgiveness is at the heart of this verse. God didn’t want His people to live with guilt or broken relationships. Instead, He set up a system where they could confess their mistakes and be restored, both with Him and each other. It’s easy to feel like our failures are final, but Leviticus 6:7 shows that God’s heart is for restoration, not just punishment. He wants to give us a fresh start when we own up to what we’ve done wrong.

What’s amazing is that God’s desire for forgiveness and restoration didn’t end in the Old Testament. Through Jesus, the need for sacrifices is gone—He became the ultimate sacrifice for us. But the message of Leviticus 6:7 still stands: no matter how badly we’ve messed up, God offers us another chance. He wants us to experience real forgiveness and to repair what’s been broken in our lives and relationships.

Personal Application

So, what does this verse mean for you right now? Maybe you’ve said something hurtful to a friend, lied to your parents, or done something you know wasn’t right. It can be tempting to hide it or pretend nothing happened. But God invites us to be honest—with Him and with each other. Admitting when we’re wrong is the first step toward forgiveness and healing.

Taking responsibility can be tough, but it’s worth it. If you need to apologize to someone, don’t wait. Say you’re sorry, try to make things right, and ask God to forgive you, too. You don’t need a priest or a special ceremony—just a sincere heart. God promises to forgive us when we come to Him, no matter what we’ve done. That’s what true freedom feels like.

Living restored means not letting your past mistakes define you. When God forgives, He gives you a clean slate. You can move forward, knowing you’re loved and accepted. And as you experience God’s forgiveness, you can also learn to forgive others. Imagine the impact you could have in your school, your family, or your friend group if you chose to be someone who brings healing and hope instead of holding onto grudges.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Why do you think God cares so much about forgiveness and making things right with others?
2. Is there someone you need to apologize to or forgive? What’s holding you back?
3. How does knowing God gives second chances change the way you see yourself?
4. What’s one step you can take this week to make things right in a relationship or situation?

Prayer

God, thank You for always being ready to forgive me and give me a new start. Help me to be honest about my mistakes and brave enough to make things right with others. Show me how to accept Your forgiveness and to forgive those who have hurt me. Give me the strength to live restored and to be a person who brings healing to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.