Oh, the web and trap of looking for consequences, or BEING A CONSEQUENCE ON PURPOSE! 

Many misunderstand the consequences of sin. They look at their spouse and see them “happy and getting away with it,” even taking on the appearance of being blessed. This is a worldly observation. You are going by what the world’s standard and definition of happiness and blessed.  But what does God call it? Oh beloved, do you understand that sin separates us from God, and not knowing Him personally is a consequence? The Bible doesn’t call it a consequence; it calls it a wage, a reward, the price paid.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)

The most POWERFUL consequence a person can have is experiencing separation from God through their sins! Whether saved or not, this is a consequence we all share. Sin has a consequence in how it affects our hope, faith, trust, and peace, how it affects our personal relationship with God. Sin brings confusion, lies, and deceptions. Sin hardens our hearts, brings rebellion, and unrighteousness. Sin creates more sin and robs us of a life of knowing the GREATEST LOVE EVER. These alone are compelling consequences.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

“He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.” Proverbs 11:19 (NASB)

“Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?” Romans 6:16

Another powerful consequence of sin, that also separates us from God, is shame, condemnation, and guilt. Having to face the choices they have made can bring great amounts of shame upon a person. You can’t always see the shame as many hide it well and suffer silently with it. Shame is a very powerful consequence!

WHY DO WE HAVE TO SEE CONSEQUENCES?

OUR PRIDE demands more. Our wounded heart and pride demand PHYSICAL consequences, visible hurts. Pride wants revenge. It wants to see them fall, see them hurt. It desires to see them suffer for the suffering they have caused you. The next time you feel bitter and upset and confused that you are not seeing consequences to their actions, realize this is your pride wishing to see them FALL, and that is vengeance.

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.” Romans 12:19 (NLT)

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

We want vengeance because it makes us feel God cares, validates, and understands what is happening to us. It helps us believe that HE IS FOR US and not against us as the Word says. When we think they are being blessed, it feels like a slap in the face to us from God. It feels like God is not caring about us; rejecting us and choosing them over us. This is not so, Beloved.

God is wise and patient and caring, and HE KNOWS what the end will bring. He knows that a lost soul will be lost forever and if that means you go without the things you want on earth, so that another may have everlasting life, then so be it. We can’t expect consequences to be heaped upon someone to make you feel better and loved because you have an unbelief problem. We are to KNOW already His love for us. We should not expect God to prove that to us through seeing consequences come to our spouses. I know this hurts. Sometimes things have to be put bluntly to shut up our pride!

Pray for God to bless them, and this way, guard yourself against pride and seeking vengeance. Never lose sight of the bigger picture. “Lost” means perishing.

Standing with you,
Sheila Hollinger

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(~Marriage Revealed Ministries Inc. is committed to helping bring healing and restoration to couples who are struggling in their marriage. We do this through the revelation of Who God is and His heart and design for marriage which never intends abuse in any form. If you suspect abuse in your relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit them online at thehotline.org~