Millpond Ink Musing – Consequence and Chastening, Is There a Difference?

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

Does it grieve me, as it did Jesus, when I witness sin in the lives of those around me? It should, especially when I see it exposed in the lives of those who say they believe in Him, and that He died for their sins. However, grieving for someone else’s sin? No, that isn’t usually the case. More often than not, I don’t mourn over my own let alone another’s. In fact, there were times I hardly thought about my sin until I was chastened by God, or should I say the consequence caught up? Really, was there a difference? I suppose there was if I saw a consequence as something that occurred naturally as a matter of violating my conscience or some enforced rule of man. We all see that; and thus, we share that in common. However…

If it is the fear of the Lord (respect for His person, His holiness and righteousness) that guards our hearts against sin and draws us closer to view His perfections, then we may find there isn’t any difference between a consequence and His chastening… what results is meant to deprive us of His presence, and if valued, we grieve unto repentance; desiring His swift return. It’s knowing Today the sweetness of His grace and peace, and the price He paid for sin that brings to the heart an holy grieving, which as His love is shed abroad in my own heart, is extended to others.