One of the Scripture passages Linda and I read this morning reminded me of a past encounter. My very first seminar class was a Theology class (eons ago!). The professor began by quoting Exodus 34:6-7a (CSB) 6 “The LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.” He went on and on proclaiming God’s amazing love. At some point I asked him why he didn’t finish verse 7. Exodus 34:7b “But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.” 

     I think we make a grave mistake when our gospel conversations talk about how much God loves us and nothing else. Maybe that’s why there are so many casual, cultural, carnal “Christians” in America.

     Other passages which express nearly the same truths include Exo. 20:6-7; Deu 5:10; Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Psa 86:15; 105:8; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4:2; and Nah. 1:3. Sure, these are all OT, but they are God’s own description of Himself. And He does NOT change (Mal. 3:6). 

    How many times does God need to say something for it to be true and applicable to us? Once! Why does He repeat anything? Because He thinks it is VERY IMPORTANT and we continually seem to be forgetting it!