In Leviticus chapter five, verse fifteen, the requirement for the trespass or guilt offering is when someone intentionally ignores the property rights of another person. This offering was also necessary when someone broke the Lord’s commandments unintentionally. The trespasser had to bring an offering along with restitution for the wrong done plus a twenty percent fine.
In the Old Testament, trespass offerings to the Lord are for the atonement for sin that a person commits against the Lord. The offering sacrifice to the Lord is from the flock: a lamb or a kid of the goats. If the trespasser did not have a lamb or a goat, then turtledoves or pigeons would be the next offering. The animal had to be without spot or blemish. This trespass offering is to make amends for the harm done.
A trespass is an invasion or an offense towards someone else. The trespasser goes beyond the boundary of what they know and is fully aware of it. Many people encounter situations of temptation before activity. However, some give in and lure into trespassing. The only way to fix the problem or the unlawful act is to offer an offering, a form of remorse.
In the New Testament, if someone trespasses another on their property or takes their belongings, and the owner discovers the fault and addresses the matter, the trespasser acknowledges it, and the owner should be able to forgive them.
Trespass offerings today will come in many forms: apologies, condolences, financial, community service, and serving sentences are some of the examples of how society deals with sensitive situations. God forgives those who trespass against us. However, do we forgive those who trespass? If someone comes with a trespass offering of apology or giving something on behalf of their mistake, are we willing to accept?