What Does Jehovah's Forgiveness Mean for You? - DAVID'S PRAYER AND GOD'S FORGIVENESS

The words of a son that King David thereafter composed reveal his heartfelt remorse.  Psalm 51 Contains David's touching pleas to Jehovah and clearly shows that he did more than admit his errors. He also repented of his sins. David was primarily  concerned about his relationship with God.  "Against you, you alone, I have sinned," he confessed.  He pleaded with Jehovah:  "Create in me even a pure heart, O God,and put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. . . . Do restored to me the exultation of salvation by you, and may you support me even with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:1-4, 7-12)  Are you as earnest and as open with Jehovah when you speak to him about your failings?

Jehovah did not eliminate the painful consequences of David's sins. Their effects were to continue with him for the rest of his life. However, in recognition of David's repentant spirit-he  had "a heart broken and crushed"-Jehovah forgave him.  (Read Psalm 32:5; Psalm 51:17 )  Almighty God understands the true attitude and motive behind his sins.  Rather than have the adulterers condemned by human judges according to the Mosaic Law, Jehovah mercifully intervened, dealing with David and Bath-sheba himself.  (Levites 20:10)  God even made their son Solomon Israel's king. - 1 Chronicles  22:9, 10 . 

Perhaps another factor in Jehovah's forgiveness is the way David himself had shown mercy to Saul.  (1 Samuel 24:4-7)  As Jesus explained, Jehovah treats us the way we treat others. said Jesus"Do not judge lest ye be judged also," said Jesus,  "for with what judgment are you judging, you will be judged; and with the measure that you are measuring out, they they will measure to you." (Matthew 7:1, 2)  What  a relief it is to know that Jehovah will forgive our sins-even as sins as serious as adultery or murder!  He will do so if we have a forgiving spirit, if we confess our sins before him, and Jehovah if we manifest a changed attitude toward our bad actions.  "Seasons of refreshing" come from Jehovah when sinners sincerely repent. - Read Acts 3:19. 

Next time: What Does Jehovah's Forgiveness Mean for You? - MANNASSEH SINS GRAVELY BUT REPENTS

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