READ: 2 Samuel 11-12 (11:1-9, 11:14-17, 11:26-12:7, 12:10-14)
It’s obvious from this story that relational sin DESTROYS a right relationship with GOD and with OTHERS! David committed sin by breaking several of God’s Ten Rules of right relationship. David broke the 10th rule first, “you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” (Deut. 5:21). David broke the 7th rule next, “you should not commit adultery” (Deut. 5:18). David went on to break the 9th commandment, “you should not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Deut. 5:20) and the 6th commandment, “you should not murder” (Deut. 5:17). It is no surprise that what David did “displeased the Lord”, was “evil” in His sight, and “utterly scorned” Him (2 Sam. 11:27, 12:9, 14). Relational sin is serious and we must take to heart what happens when we commit relational sin. What do we learn about relational sin from King David?
Relational sin starts SMALL (2 Sam. 11:1-3) – David makes some small and seemingly innocent mistakes early on in this story . . . 1) David “remained” in Jerusalem during a “time when kings go out to battle”, 2) His eyes “saw” Bathsheba, and 3) He “inquired” about Bathsheba. Small decisions that fed a growing temptation to which he ultimately gave in. James 1:14-15 says, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” We all have the potential within us to commit awful relational sin! Our best defense against major relational sin is living with integrity and character in the smaller, seemingly less important areas of our lives.
Relational sin has a wide-spreading negative IMPACT (2 Sam. 11:3, 6-26) – David’s sin involved more than just him and Bathsheba. David’s sin involved “Eliam”, Bathsheba’s father, “Uriah”, Bathsheba’s husband, and “Joab”, David’s military commander. These individuals experienced sadness, deception, and even death as a result of David’s relational sin. When we sin, it’s easy to minimize it and think we are not hurting anyone else, but in reality, all relational sin inadvertently includes a significant number of other relationships whether we realize it or not.
Relational sin can be FORGIVEN (2 Samuel 12:13) – When David is confronted by Nathan with His sin he says, “I have sinned against the Lord”. David recognized that His primary offense was against God! As a result of David’s confession his sins were “put away”. Amazingly, God forgives relational sin when we are repentant. 1 John 1:9 says, “if we confess our sins, (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Confessing our relational sin to God and against God is the first step in restoring right relationship with God and with others.
Relational sin has serious ongoing CONSEQUENCES (2 Samuel 12:10-12, 14) – Although David was repentant, confessed His sin, and was forgiven, God did not remove the future consequences of His sin. God raised up “evil” against David from within his own house, his wives would be publically taken from him, and the child he bore with Bathsheba would “die”. The consequences of David’s sin would go with him the rest of his life, bringing intense sadness and hardship. Relational sin can be forgiven, but the after-effects will go with us the rest of our lives.
CONCLUSION
In spite of David’s sin, God considered him a “man after (His) heart” (Acts 13:22). Being a man or woman after God’s own heart does not require relational perfection or sinlessness. In fact, it appears that we can make some pretty big mistakes. But, it definitely means that when we do sin in relationship we humble ourselves and admit to God we have sinned and go through the process of making it right. Are you a man or woman after God’s own heart?
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