It Doesn't Always Have to Be Hard
It really is not always required of us to learn the hard way or only when things hurt. It is not always necessary to get our kids’ attention with threats and/or negative consequences. As we look to God, He has a great arsenal of teaching methods.
God teaches us to fear Him as He confirms His promises.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
(Psalm 119:38 bibrefpsalms119 bibrefpsalms119v38)
This is one reason why the reading of the Book of the Law of the Lord in Ezra and Nehemiah’s day caused them conviction. It wasn’t only realizing their disobedience to His commands, it was God’s faithfulness to His Word.
So also God teaches us to fear Him as He forgives us. Note the same purpose statement.
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O LORD, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
(Psalm 130:4 bibrefpsalms130 bibrefpsalms130v4)
It’s not that He doesn’t know, certainly not that He doesn’t care. His holy omniscience with mercy increases our worship.
And so God moves us to repentance with His kindness.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 bibrefromans2 bibrefromans2v4)
In this last context the one who receives kindness is still dead in his sins. How much more God’s kindness for those who are already His sons?
The Lord is faithful. He forgives. He forebears. He loves you. This could be taken for granted, or it could be more reason for humility and reverence and awe, and confessions of our sins.