A Friendly Guide to Choices, Mercy, and Second Chances
Introduction: What the Bible Says About Consequences
Have you ever heard the saying, “You reap what you sow”? It’s a simple phrase, but it carries a powerful message found throughout the Bible: our actions have consequences. Whether good or bad, what we do today often shapes our tomorrow. But the Bible doesn’t just leave us with warnings—it also offers hope, forgiveness, and guidance for making better choices. Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about consequences, with some real-life examples and practical advice for everyday living.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping: Actions and Outcomes
At the heart of the Bible’s teaching on consequences is the principle of sowing and reaping. Simply put, sowing means planting seeds, and reaping is harvesting what grows. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This means that our choices—whether kind or cruel, honest or dishonest—eventually produce results. If we plant good seeds (helping others, telling the truth, being faithful), we’re more likely to enjoy good outcomes. If we plant bad seeds (hurting others, lying, being selfish), negative consequences tend to follow.
Examples from Scripture: King David and Judas
The Bible is full of stories that show this principle in action. Take King David, for example. He was called “a man after God’s own heart,” but he made a terrible mistake by committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for her husband to be killed. David faced serious consequences—trouble in his family, loss, and regret. Yet, when he turned back to God and confessed his sin, he was forgiven, though the consequences of his actions still played out in his life.
On the other hand, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, also faced consequences. He was overwhelmed with guilt and, sadly, chose despair instead of seeking forgiveness. His story reminds us that while our choices have results, how we respond afterward makes a big difference.
God’s Mercy and Justice: Forgiveness and Redemption
The Bible teaches that while God is just and allows consequences for our actions, He is also incredibly merciful. Justice means that wrongdoing is addressed and not simply ignored—after all, consequences help us learn and grow. But God’s mercy means He offers us forgiveness and the chance to start over, no matter how badly we’ve messed up.
One of the clearest examples of this balance is found in the life of King David, as mentioned earlier. Even after his serious mistakes, David was not abandoned by God. When David sincerely repented, God forgave him, showing that forgiveness is always available to those who are willing to turn back to Him. However, David still experienced the results of his choices, teaching us that forgiveness doesn’t always erase the practical outcomes, but it does restore our relationship with God.
Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament highlight this even more. The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a beautiful illustration: a young man makes poor choices and suffers the consequences, but when he returns home, his father welcomes him with open arms. This shows that God’s heart is always ready to forgive and redeem anyone who is willing to come back, no matter their past.
Ultimately, the message of the Bible is clear: our actions matter, and there are real consequences, but God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes. Through faith, repentance, and seeking forgiveness, we can experience redemption and a fresh start.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 