The Same Source

Psalms 99:8 You answered them, O Lord our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds.

There is something very interesting and eye-opening in this verse that many of us do not consider, when we suffer painful consequences for our sinful choices. The Bible clearly tells us that we will reap what we sow. In spite of that warning many of us have suffered unnecessary circumstances that came as a result of sinful behavior. What is interesting to ponder about the statement made in this verse is that both forgiveness and consequences come from the same Source...our Loving God. The forgiveness we receive comes from a loving Father who desires the ultimate best for His children. By the same token, this loving Father also shows us mercy and grace by not allowing us to be eternally separated from Him, even though it is what we deserve for our sinful choices and behaviors. In allowing consequences, our God allows those which are rooted in His love. In other words, He allows consequences that will cause us to reconsider repeating the sinful action(s), and bring us closer to Him. When we sin and suffer consequences because of that sin, we have a tendency to get upset with God for allowing the consequences, when He already warned us that this would be the result. What we fail to do is realize, and acknowledge, that even in our consequences God is better to us than we deserve. Whether receiving forgiveness, or experiencing consequences, they both come from the same Source...a Loving God who always wants the best for us, for our good and His glory.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).