We are all sinners. Sure, some of us may have sinned in ways that society finds heinous, from stealing, cheating, lying, or worse, but for God, these are all sins. As such he requires us to repent so that our sins may be forgiven.
You may have done something that may or already has completely changed your world. Maybe you’ve lost friends or you’re now separated from your family. Maybe it’s caused you to be in debt or running out of fear or helplessness. If you have sinned and your world has been turned around and you keep wondering what else you can do, repent so that your sins may be forgiven.
In the Bible, David is a perfect example of facing the consequences of your sins and repenting. After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David learned that she was pregnant and went on to have her husband executed so that he could have her as his wife. After the birth of the baby, Nathan the prophet confronted David about his sin and he confessed and repented.
Even though he repented, the prophet told David that his child would die. The consequence of David’s sin was the death of his son and even though he had repented he had to face this outcome. After the prophet left, his son became ill and David started fasting and praying for his son. He was hoping God would grant him grace even though he had been told the child would die.
Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to us. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm?” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” -2 Samuel 12:18-20
David fasted while his son was ill. When his servants told him his son had died, he cleaned and anointed himself and went to worship God. Afterward, he went back home and broke his fast.
Like David, we too have to repent and face the consequences of our sins. We must be willing to accept these consequences even as we pray for God to forgive us for our sins. They may not be as dire as David’s but we may also be asking God for grace as we work to correct what we have done wrong. You may be praying and fasting for forgiveness, understanding, or peace after committing a sin. Do not be discouraged by the consequences you may face. For even after his son died, David knew that he was with God and that they would meet again in heaven.
