+DEV+ The Lord Is Gracious

Date: November 12, 2015 11:25 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Lord Is Gracious

The Lord Is Gracious

"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone." Lamentations 3:31-33

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 12:4-12

Adam first sinned, and as our representative, he caused us to sin with him - much like how the president of a country starts a war, and then all of its citizens are at war. Adam started war against God, and the battle rages daily with us all suffering casualties. That first sin infected creation, causing aging, death, barren land, natural disasters, loneliness, and heartbreak. 

But we did no go along with Adam passively. We sinned with him and we continue to choose sin. If we have any doubt that we participated in declaring war against God, we should try to go a day without complaining or being angry. Try going a day loving others with no regard to self. 

Sometimes God may allow us to suffer because of specific sins we commit. Our sins have consequences. Notice that Lamentations says He is compassionate even for those who are guilty of sin. And that is exactly our hope, our only hope! God does not wish us grief, but He wishes for our repentance, endurance of sin's consequences, and life with Him forever.

Insight: Even when we are suffering because of a specific transgression, the Lord is gracious and merciful. 

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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