Wonderfully Made Quotes

“Restitution is recommended particularly for believers. As followers of Christ, we are a close-knit fraternity. We are not expected to hold grudges amongst ourselves. Rather, we must always maintain cordial relationships.
This is only possible if we each work to ensure that nothing becomes an obstacle in our relations. Nevertheless, sometimes, our relationships can be breached. This is where restitution comes in. Good relationships are maintained when an offender acknowledges their wrongs and makes amends.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“Restitution rightfully should involve accountability to support genuine repentance. Making amends is not only an individual's responsibility but is needed to keep all parties in an issue accountable.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“As in the Mosaic orders in Exodus, Nehemiah’s measures were to ensure fairness in the society. Whenever one gives back what they have taken unlawfully from others, it ensures that neither party is taken advantage of.
For that reason, when we restore what we have taken unlawfully from others, societal balance is secured. Above all, it brings peace and a sense of oneness to both the victim and the cheater.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“The book of Genesis shows that God created humanity and gave him life. The unfolding drama is that the male, Adam, and thus, by derivation, the female, was formed from the dust of the ground and given the gift of life through the breath of God.
God gave humans a specific purpose to fulfill. Our first obligation was to procreate. The second was to tend to and eat from the soil.
Unfortunately, the first couple failed the test and thus forfeited the privileges they were privy to. The fall thus limited us as humans in scope and saddled us with the burden of hard labor. The result of the fall is death, just as all other creatures created by God.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“The spirit-filled believer is always eager to maintain unity and peace. To this end, they strive to preserve close-knit relationships. Perhaps it is their quest to be worthy of their calling that undergirds their humble and gentle lives.
Not only are they plain and direct in their dealings, but they also never resort to sinister plots to undermine others. Likewise, they are understanding and forbearing even with aggressors.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“The believer’s standard bearer is God, who in Christ forgave sinful humanity our sins. He became the initiator of salvation by offering Christ to be our atoning sacrifice.
Christ was a worthy ambassador of this initiative in that even when he was subjected to abuse and death, he asked for forgiveness for his attackers. “Father, forgive them,” he cried, even when they were casting lots to divide his clothing.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“Our mission includes, but is not limited to, comforting the grieving, and proclaiming liberty to captives. As ambassadors, we are to do and say things that will bring joy to people.
Thus, as people who work for reconciliation, believers are never fomenters of trouble nor bearers of bad news. Rather, they are ambassadors of peace, and goodwill, who always publish and promote peace.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“Reconciliation is, first and foremost, the prime objective of God. For that reason, he offered his son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile the world to himself. God did not end his efforts with his initial act. Instead, he enlisted believers to be messengers of reconciliation.
As envoys of God, he daily makes his appeal through us. We are, therefore, partakers of reconciliation, called by God to take the good news message to the world.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“Restitution cannot be a half-hearted act. It demands complete surrender. It even requires that it is carried out to its completion before a believer can offer sacrifice or prayer to God.
Once a believer realizes his or her sin and makes a confession, it is demanded that they make full restitution by restoring whatever it was that caused them to sin.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“The concept of restitution is taught throughout the Bible. It is the idea that a person who steals something from somebody else or improperly takes something from another must return it.
The gesture shows that the culprit is genuinely sorry and sincerely seeking to make amends. One cannot truthfully be penitent and still hold on to an item they wrongfully acquired.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race

“Whenever we experience suffering, we share in the sufferings of Christ and become like him in his death. When the believer goes through suffering, God does not only confirm and restore them, but he also strengthens and establishes them for His eternal glory in Christ.”
― Akwasi O. Ofori, Wonderfully Made: What the Bible Says about the Human Race