Lesson 6: Forgiven Forgivers
Question 5
Forgiveness is not the absence of consequences for sin.
Consider Hebrews 12:6: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Because Christ paid your sin debt, there is no punishment left for you. However, as children of God, we should expect the discipline of our Father in Heaven if we fall into habitual sin (Hebrews 12:5-11).
We can see an example of this in the life of King David, the man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Ensnared in lust, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then he had her husband Uriah killed in an attempt to cover up the sin. In response, God sent the prophet Nathan to explain that David’s sin would be forgiven, but David would experience God’s discipline (2 Samuel 12:1-15). “Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.” (2 Samuel 12:13-14).
It is God who disciplines. God determines the consequences; we spouses do not.
God will sometimes use the local governing authorities (police), employers, or local church authorities (pastors/elders) to bring about His discipline. However, at no point in Scripture do we see Him instructing husbands or wives to determine the discipline for their spouse’s sin.
Instead, we must entrust ourselves to God and follow His plan for encouraging our spouse toward repentance. God will determine the consequences necessary to bring our spouse back to the way of righteousness. We must not hinder the work of God by attempting to “help” God by handing out the consequences we think are appropriate.
Question 5. Why is it important for you not to try to dictate the necessary discipline for your spouse?
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