toward me when I sin? Do You
love me less? How do You look at
punishment and consequences?
We hear it said that although You
forgive, there are always
consequences. Is that true?
I am the One Who created you, loved you, and died for you before you were even born. You
are inscribed on the palm of My hand. I can no more change My heart toward you than a
mother can forget her child.
When you sin, when you choose your own way rather than the one that I had planned, your
life at that point turns a different direction. That choice will have results. The results are not a
product of My anger or disfavor; they are simply results of your choice. I love you just the same.
I am just as committed to you as I would have been if you had chosen My path. If you have
entrusted your life to Me, I am totally committed to you, and not even your wrong turns change
that. You cannot begin to know how many times My love has protected you from painful
consequences. I will see you through the difficult circumstances that may follow, and your
repentance allows Me to work freely to turn even these things for your eternal good.
You are not disqualified or short-changed in My kingdom because you are not perfect. I
know that you are dust and that you are weak. You are the one who needs to be convinced of
that truth. When will you stop depending on yourself to meet temptation and realize that only I
am able to overcome? When will you trust My love enough to not be afraid of Me? I am not
looking for an opportunity to punish you; I long to bless you even in the midst of consequences
and difficulty. I plan to use you in spite of your sins. I see your heart, and even when it is
rebellious I love you and have provided full payment for that rebellion. I am the One Who
draws your heart back to Me and gives you the grace to repent. It may be painful and humbling,
but it will fill you with healing and peace. I long for your heart to be whole and healed, and I
have done everything needed to accomplish that. All that remains is for you to come to Me.
Don't be afraid.
Zechariah 1:3; Isaiah 54:10
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