Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they brought destruction on the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. Now at evening time David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent servants and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” Then David sent messengers and had her brought, and when she came to him, he slept with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. But the woman conceived; so she sent word and informed David, and said, “I am pregnant.” 2 Samuel 11:1‭-‬5 NASB2020

If you’re unfamiliar with the story of Davids sin and how God exposed it, forgave him, and punished him, I encourage you to read it. Perhaps it will refresh your memory of the ability God has to love, forgive, and wipe slates clean.

You may ask me where these thoughts came from. Let me explain a conversation I had with friends on Friday a week ago.

The subject was sexual sin committed by a leader of a large prayer ministry, and the comment was made that they could no longer listen to their music or receive inspiration from their teachings.

As I sat and listened to the conversation, Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Remember David’s sin and how God dealt with it?”

I didn’t comment at the time, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that God was trying to show me something. Not until I asked did I hear these words: “What right does man have to hold onto what I’ve forgiven?”

Here’s what I believe we’ve forgotten; And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

It’s a tool Satan has used from the beginning of time, and we continue to fall into its deception. We’d rather throw the baby out with the bathwater than believe that God forgives and forgets. We’ve drawn a redaction through those words as if they don’t apply.

So how do we do this? How can we right a wrong that we’ve helped create? How? We first repent for our unforgiveness. We ask for restoration and mercy for what Satan has tried to destroy. Then we stop spreading rumors and remind others of where they would be if people kept their secrets alive.

Father, let it begin with me. May others experience your love and mercy through me. May forgiveness come from my lips, and may my heart be pure so that your unconditional love is always evident. In Jesus name, Amen

Sandy G