Introduction

We all sin in many different ways and at different times. Perhaps this is the reason why most of us cannot really claim that our hearts are after the Lord’s heart. We are very much aware of our frailty. But, like David, we must all acknowledge that our moral failures are also occasions where our hearts are tested. How should we respond when we fail morally? When God rebukes us of our sins, whether hidden or obvious, do we cover them up or do we respond to God faithfully?

Three Faithful Responses

1. Do not justify your sin. (2 Samuel 11:26-27; 12:1-7a, 13a; Psalm 51:3-6; 2 Samuel 12:7-9) – Unlike Saul who justified himself before God, even though it was already obvious that he disobeyed God, David readily acknowledged that he sinned against God. He could have easily justified himself since he was the king and he had the power to control everyone around him, which he already did with Uriah and his wife Bathsheba. But seeing the gravity of what he has done for the first time (i.e. in essence sexually abusing the wife of Uriah and then killing him to cover up his sin), he humbled himself and admitted that he has sinned against God (Psalm 51:3-6). A person whose heart is after the Lord’s heart will not justify himself/herself before the Lord once it becomes clear that he/she has sinned against God.
2. Accept the consequences but plead for mercy. (2 Samuel 12:10-17; Psalm 51:1-2) – David knew that his sin has consequences. In fact, his response to Nathan’s parable proves that he understood what justice means. (Note: Sin has social dimensions far greater than we can ever imagine.) He did not try to escape the consequences of his sin even though it was dreadful and terrifying. But he pleaded for God’s mercy nonetheless. He knew that it was the only thing he could ask for from God (Psalm 51:1-2). A person whose heart is after the Lord’s heart knows that sin has consequences. But he/she also knows that God is merciful and compassionate.
3. Seek healing and restoration from God. (2 Samuel 12:18-20; Psalm 51:7-17) – David was filled with sorrow and pain as he faced the consequences of his sin. But he did not wallow in self-pity or self-destruction. He chose to trust God for his healing and restoration. He knew only God can heal and restore Him completely. So he called upon God to do that, and he waited for God’s response, knowing that God will not reject his broken spirit (Psalm 51:7-17). A person whose heart is after the Lord’s heart does not wallow in guilt or self-pity. He or she knows that healing and restoration come from the Lord. So, he or she waits upon the Lord in faith.

Conclusion

1. “Our response to sin is the test of our heart for God.”

2. We all sin. The difference is how we respond to God when He rebukes us.

3. Respond faithfully when God rebukes you of sin in your life.

Discussion

1. How do you usually respond when God rebukes you of sin?
2. How will you now respond to God if He rebukes you of sin?
3. Is there a sin in your life that God wants you to acknowledge?