Forgiving a murderer

Forgiving a murderer

I sometimes reflect upon the fact that David had Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite, killed. Murdered is probably the term most would use today. In the book 2 Samuel of the Bible we find the whole awful story. Lust, greed, murder; all the makings to complete a perfect career killing scenario, yet God forgave him. David repented. He stood up, washed himself off, and went back to the business of being the King.

I believe we often forget this part of the story of David. We remember the giant he killed. We also remember the animals he slew while protecting his father’s sheep as a boy, but do we remember that he also took the life of an innocent man? He was a murderer. This is perhaps not something to dwell upon, but neither is it a fact to be forgotten or readily dismissed.

This fact should serve as a reminder of God’s inexplicable mercy, incomprehensible love, and unfathomable willingness to forgive. At the very least, it should serve to help keep us in a perpetual state of reverence and awe of our holy, righteous, and compassionate God.

Many folks today are held in contempt by their fellow man for much lesser crimes. Pastors, friends, family, forum members, even people from church history; they rarely experience true forgiveness, let alone the blessing of having their transgressions forgotten. We frequently forget all the good others have done to us, but seldom do we forget the sins committed against us.

There are many lessons to be learned from the life of David. But I think one that is too often neglected is the one found in the forgiveness God granted him. Many today are being held at arms length instead of being embraced and granted the true forgiveness they deserve. Forgiveness should be extended to all. No crime, no matter how despicable, should escape its embrace.

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Great post. This is why unforgiveness is the one thing that blocks God's forgiveness of us. What a slap in the face to God to be forgiven of so much and then refuse to offer that same mercy to another man.

tj,

While not minimizing the need to forgive how will you account for the consequences that followed David AFTER his confession and repentance? How does that relate to the rest of your post?

ginnyrose

ginnyrose wrote:
tj,

While not minimizing the need to forgive how will you account for the consequences that followed David AFTER his confession and repentance? How does that relate to the rest of your post?

ginnyrose

Not sure what you are after ginnyrose. I am sure you are familiar with the story, and the fact that we all face the consequences of our sins. Being forgiven for a particular sin does not get anyone out of dealing with the damage it may have caused.

I was an alcoholic for many years. I caused an incredibly amount of damage to myself and others. I am forgiven for those many transgressions, yet I still face the consequences incurred by those actions.

Like I said in the original post, there are many lessons to learn from the life of David. I was simply attempting to make a point by focusing on the forgiveness aspect instead of the consequences. A lot of times the consequences are the only part brought up.

God forgave David of his terrible transgressions and continued to use him. We should forgive others and give them a second chance as well.

I did not intend to minimize the consequences of sin, I simply wanted to remind people that God can and will use anyone; even a murderer.

This is why unforgiveness is the one thing that blocks God's forgiveness of us. What a slap in the face to God to be forgiven of so much and then refuse to offer that same mercy to another man.

Amen.

This really was the point of my post. God is willing to forgive the worst of crimes in us, yet we hang on to the smallest of infractions with each other.

A good word, a comfort for me has been the knowledge of Gods forgivness. I marvel at the fact even thou God knew in his foreknowledge that David would commit this murder, still he anointed him as young. Jesus knowing Peter would deny him three times yet called him out of his work to follow him. The last time i feel in my walk, the Lord forgave me and knew my next fall would be a week away a month or whatever. Still he forgave me....

And having that knowledge, how offensive must it be to God if i hold a grudge to another man? unwilling to forgive, holding "grace" back towards another....

Great thoughts brother, thanks for sharing

I did not intend to minimize the consequences of sin, I simply wanted to remind people that God can and will use anyone; even a murderer.

I understand this to be Biblically true.

The first thing that went to my mind is how people will be so flippant about sin and forgiveness - so much so that it loses it value.

Yes, God is not limited in how he can clean up a sinner. One of the finest men I know was a convicted rapist and murderer, I think. He was released from prison years ago and has served God and others for years. A trophy of the mercy and grace of God.

Blessings,
ginnyrose