Restitution when harm is uncertain

[Nevarlander]

All right, I’ve posted this to AanA, but would like some suggestions now.
Anyway, my situation is that one time, back early on in high school (four years ago), I cheated and for that, received a better grade in one class. I also ended up receiving a (fairly small) scholarship to college based on class rank and test scores. I don’t know whether the grade made a difference in my receiving it or not. However, I know almost certainly who would have received it if I hadn’t.
I confessed the actual sin before receiving the scholarship, and never really thought about it until now. Ought I to make restitution by paying the other person the amount of money? I recently spoke with a priest about it in confession, and he said to just let God take care of it, as I can’t afford it and am not certain. However, I just feel really strage about it all. Help?

 

[carol_marie]

Since you can’t know if cheating made a difference - I agree with the Priest and say let it go. Since you said you can’t afford to mail the $ to the person anyhow, what good would it do to drop them a note saying, “Oh sorry… I cheated and that’s why you didn’t get the scholarship.” I would be very upset if I found out I was robbed like that… and I wouldn’t be so forgiving. Instead, do some good deeds now… volunteer your time tutoring children etc. If you were sorry & you confessed - put it behind you. God has.

 

[SuperLuigi]

Since you can’t know if cheating made a difference - I agree with the Priest and say let it go. Since you said you can’t afford to mail the $ to the person anyhow, what good would it do to drop them a note saying, “Oh sorry… I cheated and that’s why you didn’t get the scholarship.” I would be very upset if I found out I was robbed like that… and I wouldn’t be so forgiving. Instead, do some good deeds now… volunteer your time tutoring children etc. If you were sorry & you confessed - put it behind you. God has.

It’s important to forgive other people. If you don’t, we are taught that God will consider that against your debt to Him.