Even When It Hurts, 6 - King David

Long ago, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible, God loved King David. David was called a "man after God's own heart!" And yet, he fell from grace at a time of temptation. The story is well-known. David saw Bathsheba and desired her. He sinned with her, and when a child was conceived, David was terrified. He tried to cover things up. When he couldn't do that, he arranged for Bathsheba's husband to be killed on a battlefield. This was a series of sins. Later, when David realized what he had done and how much he regretted it, he was horrified. He begged for the Lord's forgiveness. His pain and regret are palpable as we read his passionate sorrow and grief for his sins. And yet...even when it hurt him so much...God loved him. David had to recognize that God still loved him. He had to realize that he could still rise up and be counted as redeemed, thanks to the ongoing and steadfast love of God the Father. All that David had to do was grieve the sin, repent of it, and allow God's forgiveness to fill him. Of course, consequences of sin still exist in this world. Throughout the consequences, God's love is there for us. He goes with us through the hardships, supporting us with his love. Text: 2 Samuel 11-12.  Additional scriptures: Psalm 51, Psalm 23.