Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Why am I being punished for something I didn't do?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've encountered many individuals who struggle with the concept of punishment and justice. They often ask, "Why am I being punished for something I didn't do?" This question reflects a misconception about God's nature and the purpose of punishment. It's not that God sends punishment as a direct response to our actions, but rather as a means to teach us obedience and correct our ways. The Bible teaches that God's judgments are meant to discipline us, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us and wants to correct our foolish ways. This is evident in passages like Proverbs 3:11-12, where it says, "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." This understanding of punishment is not about transferring guilt from us to an innocent person, but rather about God's desire to correct and redeem us. In the context of the Bible, punishment is not about retribution or revenge, but about restoration and redemption. As Jesus said, "The basis of life is retribution - with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Matthew 7:2). This means that the way we treat others will be the way we are treated. Punishment is not about punishing the guilty, but about teaching us to live in obedience to God's law and to avoid sin.
Sources:
christian theology
millard erickson
systematic theology
wayne grudem
job
francis andersen
mere christianity
c s lewis
dogmatic theology
shedd
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
leviticus
jay slklar
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