When I was a child, older people used to tell the younger ones in a threatening tone: "if you do not behave yourself, then God is going to punish you". This famous and intimidating phrase led me to think that God is a bad and punishing God, who is always ready to identify an error to execute the promised punishment. Interestingly I read a story that led me to reflect on this.
As they approached Jerusalem, two rabbis saw a fox running in the forest.
Zion. One of the rabbis, named Joshua, began to cry; but the other one calle.
Eleazar, he laughed. - Why are you laughing? - asked the one who cried. - Why are you crying? - asked the one who laughed.
I cry, "said the first," because I see the fulfillment of what the Book of Lamentations says, for Mount Zion is desolate and the foxes are running through it. Because for the same reason I am laughing - Rabbi Eleazar answered -, when when I see with my own eyes that God has fulfilled his threats to the letter, it increases my assurance that none of his promises will not be fulfilled: because he is always more willing to manifest his mercy to manifest his severity.
In that, God's love for us is reflected, that even though we are disobedient, when we recognize ourselves, He forgives us. It is not the time to live with the burden of error that we may have committed, but with the certainty that there is a path that returns us to forgiveness and the restoration of a full life with God. There are consequences of all our acts and decisions but God will never stop raising us. The Bible says: Not before when I was young, now that I am old, I have never seen honest people living in misery, nor that their children are asking for bread. Psalm 37:25 (Current Language) Walking on the path called Jesus Christ brings us back to the Father and we are called "Sons of God", then the promise made through the prophet Isaiah will be fulfilled:
When that day arrives,
I will make them prosper and live well.
My people will be proud
of the fruits that your land will give you.
Then I will protect my people
with a cloud during the day
and a flame of fire during the night.
So, during the day,
I will protect you from the heat,
of the rain and the storm ». Isaiah 4: 3b, 5-6
(Current Language)