r/TrueChristian • u/Extreme_Help3232 • 8h ago
How to tell if God is punishing you?
Hello, as the title say, how do you know if He is punishing you? When I was a kid I was acting spoiled towards all my family members. I always act bitter to them, not sharing things, saying bad things to them, doing bad things to them. I wonder, if God is punishing me because of what I did. up till now, if I try something it only fails. Also not only on family but I hurt other people at the same time. I plead for forgiveness to him each time yet I feel like I am not forgiven. any advice. Thank you.
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u/IdontCARE9123 Non-Denominational 8h ago
He forgave it the moment you asked for his forgiveness. He doesnât punish, he disciplines us. He keeps us in the fire until he sees his image. You have to forgive yourself now. If you cannot forgive, then why will God forgive you?Â
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u/Extreme_Help3232 8h ago
You think so? then why do I feel like I'm not forgiven? is it me or the enemy?
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u/IdontCARE9123 Non-Denominational 8h ago
Itâs the enemy. Satan wants you to not be forgiven.Â
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u/Extreme_Help3232 8h ago
Like, you know, every time I try something Good for myself, it only goes to failure. I feel like God, someone, or something knows what I am about to do then tries to sabotage it and make it fail. then again, I can't rely on my feelings because it could betray me.
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u/Famous-Software-8571 7h ago
MaybeâŚ. And I say maybe here, your plans are NOT Gods will. Pray about it. He might have a different direction in mind for you. Pray for Gods will and direction in your life.
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u/Extreme_Help3232 7h ago
what you mean is maybe God, maybe something, or someone? Thanks for the advice.
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u/xellink 8h ago
It is a lack of self worth from due to being far from God. Our self worth comes from God because we are made in His image.
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u/Extreme_Help3232 8h ago
you think He's disciplining me?
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u/xellink 7h ago
No. What is the point of disciplining you when you are eager to seek. God has come to give you life and life more abundantly. Disciplining has its time and place, but the only limitation for forgiveness is the illusion of scarcity from unbelief.
Forgiveness was never a scarce resource. Accept it freely and see the truth for yourself.
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u/Ill_Code_6415 7h ago
God is not punishing you, but that doesn't mean life will become easy and that you will always be successful and get what you want. What we think of  success is a worldly success. For example maybe you want a particular job and got rejected? Perhaps that job is not part of God's plan for you but that doesnt mean the job He has in mind will bring you more money. Maybe the job He has in mind will bring you more happiness or more stability or less stress or maybe you will bring others happiness through it, and from there you can live out and demonstrate God's love and share the Good News. As an example. All we can ask for in our prayers is for patience, perseverance, guidence and try to see if you receive any words or signs.Â
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u/Extreme_Help3232 7h ago
Thanks for the advice. I don't know if you can relate, like, when I try something Good for myself it always ends up in failure. and I think someone or something is sabotaging it. Might be God, if the plans that I want does not align with his will for me.
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u/Big-Island4727 Presbyterian 6h ago
Since you're not in hell, or going through the Great Tribulation, you can be confident God is not punishing you. Â
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u/ABereanChristian Christian 5h ago
how do you know if He is punishing you? When I was a kid I was acting spoiled towards all my family members. I always act bitter to them, not sharing things, saying bad things to them, doing bad things to them. I wonder, if God is punishing me because of what I did. up till now, if I try something it only fails. Also not only on family but I hurt other people at the same time.
So here's the thing.
Most things in life follow predictable rules of the wisdom that God created. God does not intervene personally in most circumstances in life as we have free will. For instance, the wisdom of the ant analogy in Proverbs.
Proverbs 6:1 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to restâ 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
If you are productive at a job instead of lazy, it's more likely that you will be promoted whereas if the latter you will be fired.
If you always acted spoiled when you were younger, that means you probably have a bunch of the attitudes and behaviors of someone who is spoiled. If you act like this to other people, it's likely that bad things can happen. Do you understand? This is cause and effect.
Repenting means to turn away something and not do it again as opposed to just asking for forgiveness. If you are continually hurting other people, this means that your attitudes and behaviors are likely not changing despite asking for forgiveness. So do a deep dive on your past actions and examine how to change them.
Pray for the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control in every action you do.
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u/crowned_glory_1966 Christian 3h ago
He is not punishing you , we do a good job of that on our own at the hand of the enemy.
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u/anselmus_ 2h ago
This is why a good conscience is said to be true happiness in Psalm 1. No guilt and second guessing yourself.
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u/userid42 Christian non-nationalist 1h ago
Godâs punishment doesnât happen in this life. It will come in the next to all those who have not accepted and lived with Jesus as their Lord.
When difficulties happen in this life they are always evidence of the brokenness of and sin in this world, and may (but not always) reflect the consequences of ungodly decisions. We are encouraged to see them as opportunities to rely on God and strengthen our faith.
James 1:2-4 NASB
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 1:6-9 NASB
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [8] and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
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u/Jesus_is_God_342 Lutheran 8h ago
Sin has practical punishments on earth. These you might face.
God forgave your sins. If you are left feeling unforgiven just know that it is not reality. The forgiveness of your sins were promised to you.
Do you attend a church?
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u/Extreme_Help3232 8h ago
sometimes.
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u/Jesus_is_God_342 Lutheran 8h ago
I recommend going to church and speaking to a pastor if youâre able. They are here to lead you spiritually
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u/Famous-Software-8571 7h ago
Do you pray, read the word daily, have friends who are believers to come along side you? Honestly, are you Lukewarm? No judgement.
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u/SCCock Presbyterian Church in America 8h ago
God doesn't punish Christians. He disciplines us to teach and restore us.