God is a God of tough love, because soft often does not work on most people. Mankind is stubborn, we don't move much when things are easy.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
Chastisement comes in many forms, often with life long consequences for those who have a tendency to forget the problems within themselves.
God is not interested so much with our outer activities as He is with our inner character. It is the character of the man that is judged not how many good deeds he does.
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Whatever is in our heart, the center of our character is what will come out in actions. Even if we are able to hide from people for a time, eventually the real us sneaks out to be exposed.
AND, we can hide from people for a time but we can never hide from God.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
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