When We Sin - Part 2: (Repercussions and Restoration)

2nd Samuel 12 is known by most Christians as the record of Nathan's confrontation with King David regarding his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, his murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, and David's being forgiven by God upon the confession of his sin.

What many overlook were the repercussions of sin that continued on in David's life, despite being forgiven, and would carry on for generations following:  the sword would never depart from the land as long as he was King;  David would not be permitted to build the temple as he desired (1 Chron 22:8); adversity and strife would remain in his home -- Absalom being the premier case in point; and the child borne out of the adultery with Bathsheba would die. 

In my previous blog, I emphasized grace and God's loving forgiveness which frees us from shame and guilt.  And this is true.  However, that forgiveness and grace does not always, nor even often, free us from the repercussions of our sin.

When we fall short, we are often not the only ones that suffer.  The waves we create often become tsunami that ravage the shores of others.  A husband who commits adultery, or stumbles in pornography or other such sins has not only sinned against God, but has betrayed his wife's trust....has injured his reputation...and opened a spiritual door to negative influences in his home.  Some of these, by prayer and fasting can be mitigated.  But, some, like the regaining of a wife's trust, can take much longer.

David's sins and the resulting pain and anguish he and his family endured are a stark and harsh reminder that while our sins are against God and God alone (Ps 51:4), their affects are far-reaching.

For some, the results are devastating.  But, I would offer this counsel and hope....that God, in time, can and will restore what has been brought down.  David, after an unsuccessful effort thru fasting and prayer to spare the life of his first son thru Bathsheba, was permitted by God to take Bathsheba as his wife and their second son, Solomon, became one of the wisest kings Israel knew and brought in the golden age of Israel, completing the task his father, David, had longed to...the building of the temple of the Lord.

Have you fallen?  Have you witnessed the devastation of those waves you have caused in the waters of your life?  Do not be cast down into despair.   Where you are able, make amends.  If possible, restore what you have destroyed.  Fast and pray.  Seek His counsel and walk in His grace.  And when you have done all you can to make right and make straight what has been twisted by your actions....move on!  As David said to those confused at his ability to simply move on after his sons death...

He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’  But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”  (2 Sam 12:22-23)

Walk on in the path He has laid out before you...in grace, with humility.  Whatever repercussions remain, know that His grace is sufficient and in the end, "all things will work together for the good, to those that love God (YOU)...to those are the called (YOU), according to His purposes." Rom 8:28

Please, bear in mind, that while God's forgiveness and grace is there the instant you repent, the trust of other's that you have damaged may not be restored so quickly.  In some cases it may take weeks, months, perhaps even years of consistent effort to heal those wounds.  In some cases, you may never live to see that restoration.  But, the delay in that healing or the extension of forgiveness and grace from a brother or sister in Christ is not cause or excuse for us to become dismayed or embittered.  For many who withhold it is not out of anger, but out of fear and a need to protect themselves from the potential of more pain.

Instead becoming frustrated at what seems like a slow process of forgiveness on the part of others, let it be a reminder of the cost of our sins.  Let it keep us humbled and ever ready to bend the knee to Christ and seek His wisdom, counsel, strength to overcome in future battles against sin.  But, never, EVER, let it become a root of bitterness in your heart against those that hold back forgiveness and grace.  Love them, serve them, all the more and ONLY as far as they permit you.  This is often difficult and hard....but, the honor you show them, by patient humility and deference to their needs, will, in the end, win their respect anew.  If not, it will have its way in working in you a greater patience and a depth of character that reflects God's own patience with us.

In David's case, the end of 2nd Sam 12 was a victory over the city of  Rabbah.  So you, also, when you humbly submit to God, can achieve victory over those cities that have stood against you....but, only when you submit, humbly and walk in His ways thru repentance and restitution.

God bless you all as you seek His grace and mercy.