How long do I have to pay for the consequences of my sins?

There are TWO things to be aware of regarding this question about paying for the consequences of your sin.

ONE: From a spiritual, and eternal point of view, the consequences of your sin has been completely removed, assuming that you have heard and responded in faith to the grace gospel**. The moment you believe in the grace gospel, you are eternally saved, and your sin is nailed to the cross of Christ, (Col.2:13-14). The Bible says that the penalty (or consequence) of sin is death, but because you placed your faith and hope in the cross-work of Christ alone, you are forgiven, that penalty is removed, and you have been acquitted in spirit and have life.

Eph.24 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Rom.5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Based on these two verses (and many more like these), you can clearly see that the consequences of your sin is utterly removed! These consequences have been put on Christ and you have been freed from that penalty of death. From a spiritual position and for eternity before God, you are free and justified.
This is incredible news and something we can be so grateful for!!

TWO: From a physical, and temporary point of view, the consequence of your sin is something you need to bear, and work through and rectify. You see, God's salvation work has fixed (or removed) the "sin" problem, that BIG issue that affects every person on this earth and separates them from God. However, the issue of "sins" is still around and with us daily, until we receive our glorified bodies at the rapture / resurrection. It is these "sins" (your past actions under the influence of the old Adamic nature) that have consequences that you need to bear. This is a natural consequence; part of the law of what you sow, you reap. It is NOT Gods judgement on you! It is NOT God punishing you. God's judgement and punishment for you was emptied out on Christ and you are completely forgiven of your sin. But the sins you have committed have left a mark on circumstances, and on others around you. This is what you are feel you are paying for, for so long now.

Think of it like this, when you abuse substances, your body is going to suffer for it. When you speed down the road in your car, you are going to get a ticket and you will need to pay for it! These are consequences you have put in motion. These are not God punishing you! The onus is upon you for your own actions. BUT, the point I want to make is that these consequences can be rectified. You can detox and change your habits and your body over time can become healthy again. You can work extra hard and pay off the cost of that speeding ticket. Regarding your family and your children and those you may have hurt; there relationships CAN be healed. Depending on how deep the wounds are, it might take time, BUT with love and care and a proof of your commitment to tend to the pains inflicted, they WILL heal. Take comfort also in the knowledge that God is now with you and He will lend a hand of healing towards the hearts of those you are concerned about.

Let me encourage you with this scripture passage:

1 Cor.13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

Human hearts are fragile, but not unfixable. The above verse is the remedy for winning back those whom you've hurt. The consequences can be removed, slowly and surely, by love that God will work within you and make flow out of you. It is not something you can do on your own, it is not your love efforts, but it will be a deep love that will flow from your innermost parts, …a genuine love that will NOT fail.

Friend, I rejoice that you have come to this point in your life where you have asked this question. It tells me that God is at work within you and willing to help you to overcome the consequences of your past sins. Remain positive, remain in the Word, remain strong in your connection with God, and you will find yourself at the remedied side of those consequences. Some might fix quickly, others will take time, but they ALL can be healed in patience and love.

Phil.4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

**In case you need to know what the grace gospel is, please see here.