If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord, a sin offering is required. The person may not have intended wrong, but the wrong requires remedy.
My first reaction was: that's unfair. Intention matters. But the more I reflected, the more I understood: in God's economy, harm is harm regardless of intention. If I carelessly damage my neighbor's relationship or finances or reputation, my lack of intention doesn't undo the damage.
This matured me. I used to deflect criticism by saying I didn't mean it. But the text suggests intention is less important than responsibility for the harm caused. I owe restoration regardless of my intent.
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