GOD'S LOVE DOES NOT IGNORE SIN

There is no doubt that God loves us as children dearly, but there is one thing that he cannot tolerate in our lives, which is to live in sin. The reason is that it is sin that causes us to destroy our relationship with Him in the beginning. It is a sin that we lost our initial relationship with Him. Adam and Eve were living in the very presence of God before they sinned against God; however, when they chose to rebel against God, God did not have a choice but to drive them out of the Garden of Eden. It is sin that brought death and suffering into our lives and in this world. No matter how much God loves us, He will never tolerate sin in our lives because He knows the consequences of it. Christians are mistaken when they believe that the way they live their lives does not matter to God. They can live however they want, and God will still accept their behaviors. It is true that God still loves us when we sin, but He is still offended by our sinful actions. He still needs to deal with our sinful lifestyle by disciplining us. 

Hebrews 12:5-11 says, "And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

God's love should lead us to live a godly life. It does not mean a perfect life, but a life that is always striving to live a righteous life. Every day and every moment, we must pursue a godly life because God loves us dearly.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How should I live my life knowing that God loves me dearly? Why can't I stay living in sin as a Christian? What does God do when I choose to live in sin?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I understand and believe that you love me dearly and you don't tolerate sin in my life. No matter how much you love me, you cannot ignore my sins. Please forgive me for all the sins I have committed, and continue to change my heart so that I will pursue a godly life. Thank you for loving and forgiving all of my sins. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.