Question

45. My manager caught me trying to steal a wallet at work my car insurance was high and was running low on cash for food and gasoline. I made no excuses for it and we talked in the office and I feel really bad about it. Not just because I was caught but because he and the owner of where I work have literally supplied me with free housing and literally bought me a a used car no cost to me just a short month ago and helped me out tremendously when I was homeless in need of a job and in a desperate situation. I want to make this right but I just don’t know how? Are there any Bible passages you know for a scenario like this? I’m extremely lucky to still have a job and promised I would never do it again. Help please.
Asked by: Male, 19-25, North America, Christian on December 28, 2021 2:00:26 pm

Answer

Hello!

Thank you for sharing about your situation. I am glad to hear you want to make it right.

I'll talk about three things.

• Sin
• Grace and Mercy of God
• Some practical suggestions

Let's first recognize sin. Today, many people feel sin is subjective, and if one feels sorry about it, they believe the wrong should be tolerated, and it is no longer a fault. Just in case you may be trying to justify yourself, let me share that the Bible does not condone stealing—it is the eighth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). Consider these verses:

Proverbs 6:30-31 (NLT)
30Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. 31But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.

I know I sound harsh, but it is for a reason.

You have done wrong, but everyone else, too, has committed wrong against God and has broken His Commandments. Whenever we make a mistake, we would no longer be worthy of the perfect God, and we would become distant from Him, just as Adam and Eve had to distance themselves from God.

The good news is that God is merciful and forgives the wrongs we have done. In fact, when He forgives, it is as if we never did the wrong.

Hebrews 8:12 (NLT)
And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins."

Hebrews 10:17 (NLT)
Then he says, "I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds."

Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)
"I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Even though we are unworthy to be accepted by God because of our wrongdoings, He provided a way for forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

That is to say, recognize that you have done wrong. Yet, be grateful that God still accepts you as you are. We can learn what true forgiveness feels like and experience true freedom from this recognition.

You may say, "so great; God forgives me as I place my trust in Jesus, but what about my boss whom I offended?" The Bible teaches two things about forgiveness.

1. Forgive others as we have received forgiveness from God. (Ephesians 4:32)
2. Love God and others. (Matthew 22:37-40)

In your situation, you are not in the position to give forgiveness. Instead, just as God had to forgive us, you are at the mercy of the person you have wronged. God gave us the Ten Commandments to teach to 1. Love God (first four commandments), and 2. to love others (the remaining six commandments). By stealing, you have broken the love for your manager. Your manager is the only one who can forgive you for damaging the trust and relationship you both shared.

Here are some Biblical principles for reference:

Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Psalms 32:5 (NLT)
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude.

Based on what you shared and the Biblical principles shared above, here are some practical things you can do:

• First, agree/recognize/admit that you have done wrong. You cannot take further steps to remedy the situation without genuinely believing that you have done wrong.
• Let your manager know that you are genuinely sorry and are willing to do whatever it may take to earn his trust. As you shared, let him know that it was a mistake and that you are very thankful for the kindness s/he has shown you. Indeed, you can share about your current situation of not meeting your basic needs, but remember, it is still wrong to steal (refer back to Proverbs 6:30-31), and you are expected to pay back multiple-fold of what you have stolen.
• Ask him/her what you can do to receive forgiveness and acceptance from him/her again. Promise to pay back for the wrong by giving your best at work and loyalty to your manager.

I hope that provides some direction. It is not going to be easy.

Yet, remember that your relationship with God is not severed because of your faith in Jesus, who forgives you. Now, mend the injured relationship so that you can draw near to God with a clear conscience (see Matthew 5:23-24).

God bless you, and I hope for your best. Write back if I can help any further.

Answered by Dr. Sang Sur

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