The scriptural reading for the week is Amos 9:11-15. The topic is "The Concept of Restoration ".

Restoration is defined as the act or process of returning something to it's original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

The restoration story according to the text is the promise of God to restore His people Israel to their positions. The first ten verses of Amos chapter nine addressed how Israel would be destroyed.

But the Lord in His infinite mercy decided to sing the prophecy and testimony of restoration in verses eleven to fifteen.

Brethren, I will like to identify the following fundamentals of restoration.

1. Restoration involves two or more parties or persons.

2. Destruction or damage brings about restoration.

3. Restoration involves a major and minor party or person.

4. Restoration could be God -Man or Man-Man.

5. Examine this link - Sin -Destruction -Repentance -Restoration.

Below are some popular verses in the Bible that addresses restoration. Gal 6:1; 2 Cor. 13:11, 13:9; Amos 9:14; Psalm 51:12, 23:3; Exodus 21:34.

As earlier noted, the text emphasized the deliberate action of God at restoring His people to their positions.

But I would like to use this opportunity to highlight the steps of restoration as it concerns Man -Man.

Relationship are always worth restoring. God has given us the ministry of restoring relationships.

For this reason a significant amount of the New Testament is devoted to teaching us how to get along with one another.

Here are seven Biblical steps to restoring fellowship :

1. Talk to God before talking to the person. James 4:1-2.

2. Always take the initiative. Matthew 5:23-24.

3. Sympathize with their feelings. Philippians 2:4.

4. Confess your part of the conflict. Matthew 7:5.

5. Attack the problem , not the person. Psalm 73:21-22.

6. Cooperate as much as possible. Romans 12:18.

7. Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. 1 Peter 3:11.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God".

Shalom!!!

Bro. Enigbokan Omosehin