Does forgiveness remove consequences?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 14, p. 75
When considering how to balance mercy with consequences, it is important to understand the purposes of consequences. Firstly, consequences may be necessary to provide restitution. As written in Numbers 5:5-7, "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the Lord, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.'"
Similarly, in Luke 19:8, we see the story of Zacchaeus, who pledged to repay anyone he had cheated fourfold. This demonstrates that providing restitution and amending for wrongs is a key aspect of consequences.
However, it is also essential to remember that forgiveness is always available, even when consequences are necessary. As Jeremiah 31:34b states, "For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Ultimately, while consequences serve specific purposes like restitution, mercy and forgiveness remain central tenets of faith, reminding us that redemption is always within reach.
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