Read the story of creation. It is filled with order, love, intention, purpose. Every part of My creation has a purpose for which I created it.

I created it for My children to live and flourish with Me. Walking together in the cool of the day.

Take note of when I called out to Adam and Eve to speak with them. It was “in the cool of the day.” My compassion was already present while I was drawing them out to talk to Me about what they had done.

I didn’t draw them out of hiding in the heat of the day to punish them further. My discipline isn’t punitive. My discipline is measured and intentional, just like all of My actions in creation. I never “loose it” with My children.

Note how I went to speak with them, not just to them. We had an exchange.

The first thing I said to them was a question that wanted a response. Even though they had sinned, I still reached out first and invited them into a dialogue with Me. And I kept drawing them out until they confessed. I led them to a place of confession with My questions. For without confession of wrong there could be no repentance to what is right.

And their confession led to forgiveness. Yes, there were consequences, but My forgiveness was complete. They were forgiven and cleansed. Completely.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9