**This response is concise and addresses the questioner’s concerns clearly, in an easy-to-understand manner. It explains biblical truth, offers practical advice, and is friendly in tone. **

Question: Hello! I’m a Christian in high school and I’ll be applying for college soon. My question is, is there a way for Christians to list accomplishments and service on college applications in humility? It’s seems so hard to balance Jesus’s words about getting our reward on earth and writing our volunteering on applications. Many thanks

Profile: Female, North America, Christian, Under 19

Answered by: Bonnie Gayda, who has been a volunteer with us since August, 2014.

Answer: Hello, It is evident from your question that your heart is set on pleasing the Lord. There is no problem with you listing your accomplishments on college applications. We can remain humble because as Christians we realize that it is God who has provided us with our abilities and the capacity to achieve goals. Jesus was condemning the attitude of those who seek the praise of men rather than that of God. They were hypocritically elevating themselves in order to gain applause. This certainly does not seem to be the case with you (Colossians 3:23-24). There is nothing wrong with taking pleasure in what God has enabled us to accomplish. Remember, He knows our hearts, and when they are set on Him we can enjoy the fruit of our labor (Colossians 3:17). God bless.


**This response is thorough, easy to understand, and clear. Biblical truths are explained well. The response offers practical advice and encouragement in a kind tone. **

Question: I’m curious about the requirements for restitution and if it affects salvation. If I broke something and no one knew but repented to God would he forgive me ? Or more specifically if I injured someone or caused them to have a skid knee or something and seek medical attention would God not forgive me if I didn’t pay the medical bill ? My mind runs rampant. I don’t think I’ll evwr truly be saved at this rate I’m going. I’m stuck in the past. It’s almost April and i agent done this years raxes for fear of amending last years where I wasn’t 100 percent truthful. I’m scared of punishment but more afraid of hell.

Answered by: Donald O’Brien, who has been a volunteer with us since June, 2010.

Answer: Thank you for writing to us.

Restitution, my friend, is undoubtedly a biblical conviction that we see throughout the entirety of the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law called for restitution in a number of circumstances: “He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged” (Numbers 5: 7). “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep” (Exodus 22:1, see also 3-6, 14; Leviticus 6:1-7; 1 Samuel 12:3; 2 Samuel 12:6). As the Mosaic Law came from God, restitution is a concept given to us directly from Him.

In the New Testament we see Zacchaeus the chief tax collector making restitution: “If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8), to which Jesus replied “today salvation has come to this house” (v. 9). Please understand that Zacchaeus’ restitution was the fruit, not the condition of his salvation. Making restitution is not how we become saved, we are saved by fully trusting in Jesus Christ alone as the payment for our sins, but a repentant heart is one that is certainly desirous of making restitution if and whenever possible. Indeed, a good way to discern if your heart is indeed repentant and contrite is by your genuine heartfelt desire to make amends, to restore what you’ve taken or to otherwise rectify the wrongs you have done. And it is not a matter of simply going through the motions to appease God, it is genuine desire to do the right thing.

Regarding your tax situation, my friend, I would encourage you to do yourself a huge favor and be completely honest with this year’s return. It is an awesome thing that each day provides us with a fresh opportunity to do the right thing. When you walk in obedience to God’s Word, I assure you that your mind will not “run rampant” with thoughts that will utterly rob you of any joy and peace that could otherwise be yours. And you should also amend last year’s return as soon as you are able to. Remember, the taxing authority may never catch your dishonesty, but absolutely nothing gets past God above who not only sees everything, but also knows every thought of our hearts. And God will discipline those who belong to Him; it’s not a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when” (see Hebrews 12). Friend, when you lean into your problems, whatever they may be, I can assure you that it will soften the blow of any discipline our heavenly Father eventually administers. Obey God’s Word, my friend, and you will never have to fear punishment or Hell.

We have an article on our website which is titled: “What does the Bible say about restitution?” I encourage you to read this excellent article, and thank you again for writing to us.

Blessings