Consequences

“So Gad went to David and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the Lord —days of plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should answer the one who sent me.””1 Chronicles 21:11-12 NIV  http://bible.com/111/1ch.21.11-12.niv

Consequences. None of these choices were good choices. (It's looks just like our presidential election.) David was loved dearly by God. He was the start of the lineage leading to Christ. God led him into battles over ominous foes. He promised high blessings to his family for generations. But, when David, the beloved king of Israel, sinned against God, he had to pay the consequences. His sin wasn't killing someone. It wasn't stealing, rape, or murder. It was a minor infraction, but it definitely went against the will of God. After, this event and the punishment, God continued to dearly love David. We all make mistakes and forgiveness does not mean getting rid of the consequences. God loves us. God still holds us accountable. 

Or society is so fickle. We accept and encourage judgment on OTHERS. We will help build the gallows when someone else stumbles. Yet, when we sin, a dear friend sins, or simple mistakes are made, we want mercy and no consequences. Life just doesn't work that way. When we fail, God loves us. When we sin, when we make mistakes, God still loves us but he holds us accountable. He let's us suffer the consequences of our own doing, but he is there to share in our pain. We need to do the same. We can forgive. We SHOULD forgive, but instead of protesting the consequences, we need to share all the love we can while going through those same consequences.  There is pain and suffering in this world, in our country, in our communities, and in our own homes. Many times that pain and suffering is of our own doing. God loves us through all things, including the pain. That is real love!

Dear Lord, Thank you for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank you for your constant love through all circumstances. I praise you that your grace and mercy are perfect. I know this world must suffer the consequences of our own sins and mistakes. The punishments are necessary. I love you and praise you for walking beside me when I cause my own problems. I love you lord! Amen!