2 Samuel 12:7 – “Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, my heart was awed by God’s incredible grace! I saw His desire and disdain.  I saw His keys to blessing and causes for curses.  I saw His purpose for His people and our part in participation.   It would be impossible in a short text to detail it all, so let it suffice to see some highlights, hopefully inspiring each one to dig deeper into the treasure mine of God’s grace and revelation.

In 2 Samuel 11, the tragic story of David, Bathsheba, and her husband Uriah is presented.   It is a contrast of integrity (Uriah) and lust (David).   In 2 Samuel 12:7, Nathan the prophet confronts David’s sin: “You are the man.” David repented, but verse 12 reveals God’s curse: the sword will never depart from your house.  Sin has a lasting effect even after forgiveness. (Reap what we sow).

This declaration of God bears fruit in Amnon, then in Absalom. Absalom nurtured hate for two full years, then it became murder and later rebellion!

How do we combat and guard against the power of the flesh?  One key is found in 1 Peter 1:22: we purify our souls by obeying the truth.  That requires us to actively focus on Christ and definitively take steps to rid ourselves of even the appearance of evil, reject all deceit (manipulation and misrepresentation), avoid hypocrisy (be honest about everything), guard against envy (learn contentment and be who we are), and never engage in slander.   Instead, yearn for Spiritual truth like a newborn yearns for milk.

1 Peter 3:8-9 lists life objectives in interpersonal relationships that enhance our relationship with God. Harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble, not retaliatory.

A major key is 1 Peter 4:1 – Arm ourselves with the mind of Christ.  Think and act like Jesus!  The best way to achieve that is to never allow an instant reaction out of pride or because we think we must defend ourselves.  Stop, look, and listen – What would Jesus do?   That’s more than a catchy fad or cliché; it is a safety valve opening the door to peace and victory. Overcome by submitting ourselves to God and resisting the devil.  We can because Jesus did! Christ IN us enables us to live as overcomers!

It is a choice and a process! Make the choice!   God’s Grace is Amazing!