The Bite of Sin

I am angry.  I wish I could say it's a total righteous anger.  I am just completely fed up with excuses and am losing my compassion. What's got me fired up?  It's the 'dumbing down' of the reality of sin in this world and the total indignation that there would be consequences because of it.

Excuse after excuse is being made for doing wrong. I get that...that's been going on for a long time in this world.  What is making me angry is the absolute indignation some believers have when their poor choices come back to bite.  Really??? Should I REALLY be surprised when I knowingly break the law and I get a ticket, or arrested, or punished? Should I REALLY be surprised when I develop various diseases because of my poor eating/exercise habits?  Should I REALLY be surprised that I lost a relationship because I cheated on him? Should I REALLY be surprised that I lost her trust because I lied or spread gossip about her? Should I REALLY be surprised that my consequences have a ripple affect and are hurting those around me? Really?

While I was getting my feathers ruffled at the excuse makers, the Lord, in His perfect way, allowed me to see the devastating effects of the consequences. Because He is working in my life, He breaks my heart when I realize just how alone, afraid, broken and hurting those people really are...and that He is using those consequences to draw them out of the sin, into repentance, and into reconciled relationship with Him.  Their indignation is merely a prideful front for the underlying brokenness that they are yet unwilling to admit.  No, the Lord does NOT take sin lightly. All it takes is reading His Book to understand that fact. That being said, only a perfect, sinless, Holy God could feel the compassion for those who shake their fists up at Him in defiance, stubbornly trying to do it their own way, and offer complete, soul healing forgiveness. And immediately, I am humbled to the depths of my soul and my heart screams out prayers of intercession for them to see that love and healing that is just an act of repentance away. Only my perfect Jesus could change my angry heart into one of mourning.