YOUR BEAR THE BRUNT

"He who plays with fire gets burnt." - Unknown

Many people find it almost unacceptable that the same God whom is called, Merciful will allow people, disobedient people, to be punished for their atrocities, waywardness and rebellion. Some argue that it is not right to punish anyone in hell, for eternity. As a matter of fact, most believe He's non-existent, their argument. "Why does evil abound?" We forget that, God is a principled father. He's a stickler for rules, and reward systems. "if you do this, you get that. If you don't do this you don't get that." He's the originator of conditional statements.

Even though he is a merciful God, He doesn't exonerate us from our misbehaviour, even though He can shorten the consequences sometimes. He will not always take the consequences of our foolish decisions, or relationships away. David and Bathsheba for example had an adulterous affair, and even had her husband killed. The consequences were dire.
Take a look at Abraham and Hagar: Abraham trying to force God's promise and favour from a wrong relationship. This list could go on and on. When we make foolish decisions, refuse to trust God, or take matters into our own hands, God will allow us to do just that. We are given the ability to make decisions based on free will, but it doesn't free us from the consequences. God allows consequences because of His holiness, as well as His great love for us - we can't disobey and "get away with it" God is merciful no doubt, but He's also a consuming fire.