Let us imagine a murderer who killed the only child of a family. Ever since, the parents of this murdered child have been angry, seeking vengeance and sick. They have been putting pressure on the police to unravel the mystery behind their child's death but no discovery made. They decided to tear into pieces whoever killed their only child.

This murderer met Christ, became born again and now is Spirit filled. One day, he heard his pastor preach on restitution. He became guilt-stricken and then went straight to the house of the parent of the child he murdered. Knocked on their door. As they opened the door,  he told them he killed their only child and now ready to restitute by way of confession.

What do you think will happen between him and the parent of the murdered child? There is a tendency he may not leave that place alive or he might leave wounded and mobbed. That is what happens when restitution is not done  by the leading of the Spirit and pastoral guidance. Jesus won't be glorified and it may worsen the situation instead of bringing healing.

The next extreme about restitution is when it is not done by the leading of the Spirit and mediated through pastoral guidance. The case shared above is what happens to most people who heard the message of restitution. They acted emotionally instead of being led by the Spirit and guided by competent pastors.

I stated previously that restitution should not be done under the weight of guilt or misguided zeal, it has to be done by the leading of the Spirit. Preachers do not have such right to pressure people into doing restitution because it cannot done in the flesh.

When restitution is done by the leading of the Spirit, it will glorify Jesus. How will that happen? Like the case shared above, the parents of that child may be converted if they are unbelievers or they may overcome their unforgiveness&bitterness and their relationship with God will become better If they are believers. How did I know this may result? Because the Holy Spirit would have worked on their hearts even before he confesses.

If restitution makes the offended more offended, more bitter and vengeful, God has no glory  in that and the purpose of such restitution is defeated.

God will never lead you into doing a thing that won't give him glory.