“You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds.” Psalm 99:8
Moses and Aaron sinned against the LORD at Meribah (Num. 20). God forgave their sins, but they still suffered the vengeance of God upon their evil deeds and were not permitted to enter into the promised land. So also, the LORD mercifully forgives the sins of those who trust in Him and the atonement He provided for us in the innocent sufferings and death of His Son. Yet this does not mean there will be no consequences for our sins — God still takes vengeance on our evil deeds, so that we may not take sin lightly and dishonor God’s holy name.
For the sake of Your mercy in Christ Jesus, forgive my foolishness and sin, O God, and grant me the wisdom and faith to accept the consequences of my evil deeds and the chastisement You inflict upon me for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]