What About The Consequences?

Does Jehovah's readiness to forgive mean that a repentant sinner is exempted from all consequences of his wrong course? Not at all. We cannot sin with impunity. Paul wrote: "Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7) We may face certain consequences of our actions. This does not mean that after extending forgiveness Jehovah causes adversity to befall us. When troubles arise, A Christian should not feel, 'Perhaps Jehovah is punishing me for past sins.' (James 1:13) On the other hand, Jehovah does not shield us from all the effects of our wrong actions. Divorce, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, loss of trust or respect-all of these may be the sad, unavoidable consequences of sin. Recall that even after forgiving David for his sins in connection with Bath-sheba and Uriah, Jehovah did not protect David from the disastrous consequences that followed. -2 Samuel 12:9-12.

Our sins may have additional consequences, especially if others have been hurt by our actions. Consider, for example, the account in Leviticus chapter 6. The Mosaic Law here addresses the situation wherein a person commits a serious wrong by seizing a fellow Israelite's goods through robbery, extortion, or fraud. The sinner then denies that he is guilty, even being so daring as to swear falsely. It is one person's word against another's Later, however, the offender becomes stricken in conscience and confesses to his sin. To gain God's forgiveness, he has to do three more things: to restore what he had taken, pay the victim a fine totaling 20 percent of the value of the stolen items and provide a ram as a guilt offering. Then, the law says: "The priest must make and atonement for him before Jehovah, and so it must be forgiven him." -Leviticus 6:1-7.

This law was a merciful provision from God. It benefited the victim, whose property was returned and who no doubt felt much relief when the offender finally acknowledged his sin. At the same time, the law benefited the one whose conscience at last moved him to admit his guilt and correct his wrong. Indeed, if he refused to do so, there would be no forgiveness for him from God.

Although we are not under the Mosaic Law, that Law gives us insight into Jehovah's mind, including his thinking on forgiveness. (Colossians 2:13, 14) If others have been hurt by our sins, God is pleased when we do what we can to right the wrong. (Matthew 5:23, 24) This may involve acknowledging our sin, admitting our guilt, and even apologizing to the victim. Then we can appeal to Jehovah on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice and experience the assurance that we have been forgiven by God. -Hebrews 10:21, 22.

Like any loving parent, Jehovah may offer forgiveness along with a measure of discipline (Proverbs 3:11, 12) A repentant Christian may have to relinquish his privilege of serving as an elder, a ministerial servant, or a full-time evangelizer. It may be painful for him to lose for a period of time privileges that were precious to him. such discipline, however, does not mean that Jehovah has withheld forgiveness. We must remember that discipline from Jehovah is proof of his love for us. Accepting and applying it is in our best interest. -Hebrews 12:5-11.

How refreshing to know that our God is "ready to forgive!" Despite the mistakes we may have made, we should never conclude that we are beyond the reach of Jehovah's mercy. If we truly repent, take steps to right the wrong, and earnestly pray for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus' shed blood, we can have full confidence that Jehovah will forgive us. (1 John 1:9) Let us imitate his forgiveness in our dealings with one another. After all, if Jehovah , who does not sin, can so lovingly forgive us, should not we sinful humans do our best to forgive one another?

Next time: "O How Great His Goodness Is!"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002