What some Christians are not aware of is the spiritual law of ‘sowing and reaping’.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6: 7-9
This spiritual law is preached by many Bible teachers from a positive perspective. Such as if you sow a great deal of money you will get a great deal of money or if you are obedient to obey God’s commandments you will be be blessed.
While this positive aspect of the spiritual law of ‘sowing and reaping’ is true, what some Christians don’t realize is that the negative side of this spiritual law is also true.
Sin really does have negative consequences!
While confession is good for the soul and God does forgive and restore, God also corrects, exposes, and chastises for sin.
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:6-11
Preaching a one sided gospel of blessing and prosperity is like telling a half truth. When a half truth is told exclusive to the other half you get a lie.
Many Christians are living in deception because they have been taught half truths.
They are taught that God is good, God loves them, God forgives and he forgets. They believe that when they sin it is removed and that’s the end of it.
This is not the truth. It’s a half truth.
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6–7
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance. Matthew 3:8
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
You cannot say a prayer, perform a ritual or two and then continue on as if nothing has happened. Eventually your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23, Romans 2:4)
In other words if you do not deal with your sin so that you forsake it entirely you will find that sin becoming a snare unto you.
They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee. Exodus 23:33
Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap. Psalms 69:22
And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Psalms 106:36
A fool’s mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul. Psalms 18:7
In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. Proverbs 29:6
Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction. Lamentations 3:47
Sin will destroy a person one way or another.
I am not just talking about sexual immorality either. I’m talking about lying , gossip, backbiting, anger, bitterness, hate, flattery, vanity and the whole kit and Kabotie of the sin family.
Whatever you sow in life you will reap. (Galatians 6: 7-9)
There are a zillion books and videos out there that will tell you how to cast out demons, telling you that will solve your problems. Plenty of books and videos about how to confess the word. Plenty of information on to how to seek God BUT there is not much information out there that will tell you to repent of your sin.
The doctrine of repentance is not a big seller. Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too. But it does not work that way.
The Bible tells us that whatever we sow we reap. Good and bad.
It may not happen immediately but it will happen.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8
They do not say in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God,
Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain,
Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest. Jeremiah 5:24
With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Proverbs 18:20
If we are honest with ourselves we will find that we have reaped a whole lot of positive and negative consequences in our life!
The positive by obedience, perseverance, and faith.
The negative by disobedience, fear, and unbelief.
Reaping positive we praise the Lord! We are thankful and rejoice!
Reaping negative we complain and criticize.
Why did you let this happen to me? Where were you when I needed you? How come you allowed this in my life?
Sound familiar? Most of us have done it! If you are a rare one who hasn’t complained in your affliction I commend you on your prestigious sainthood!
Reaping a good harvest is wonderful. Blessings we receive are great! They abound to thanksgiving unto the Lord!
However, our sin which has caused us to reap negative consequences are not so fun.
The good news is that God can turn the negative into a blessing IF we repent. That means if we stop the sin whatever it may be.
If you are sick in some way, God can heal you.
He can heal you physically and mentally but he can also use you to help others going through similar situations and struggles.
[God] who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Sin has negative consequences not only spiritually but physically.
Below I have posted scientific evidence on the negative consequences of certain sins to back up what the the Bible says. Just to give examples but there are plenty more!
Do all things without grumbling and disputing, in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life, for a source of pride to me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
And it happened, the people were like those who complain of hardship in the hearing of Yahweh, and Yahweh became angry, and the fire of Yahweh burned among them, and it consumed the edge of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to Yahweh, and the fire died down. And he called the name of that place Taberah because the fire of Yahweh burned among them. Numbers 11:1-3
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4: 31,32
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Philippians 3:18,19
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. Proverbs 23:20-21
https://www.webmd.com/obesity/news/20231215/what-causes-obesity-more-science-points-brain
Many mental health issues are caused by wrong thinking, unforgiveness, refusal to confess our faults and own up to our mistakes. Mental health issues are also caused by the sin of others affecting us as well as our sins that affect others.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/roots
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230705122459.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3998989
Giving to those in need has been shown to improve mental health. Being stingy has negative consequences.
Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. Proverbs 13:18
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. Proverbs 28:27
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508200
The Bible tells us that fear is a lack of trust. Faith is trusting in God.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/all-about-fear
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-54987-020
In conclusion, the law of ‘sowing and reaping’ has both positive and negative aspects.
When we recognize our sin,(negative behaviors) confess our sin to God, Turn from our sin, (repentance)God will forgive us and cleanse us from the unrighteous affects of our sin. God will restore us and help us to heal and bring healing to others.
Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Psalms 103:2,3
About me. https://kimbalogh.online/about-me/
Subscribe to my web blog https://kimbalogh.online/contact-2/
Links to my other sites.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://www.instagram.com/on_fire_4_jesus_/?hl=enklohyuj
https://www.facebook.com/KimBalogh/
https://www.facebook.com/spiritualwarfarethegospelofgraceministries?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Leave a Reply